Tottenham have chosen not to trigger the option on Lucas Moura’s contract for the Brazilian forward to stay at the club beyond this season.
The 30-year-old’s most recent new deal was announced until 2024 but it is understood the final season needed activation from Spurs’ end by Dec 31 last month and the option was not taken.
Moura, one of the heroes of the club’s run to the Champions League final in 2019, is free to talk to other clubs about a pre-contract for the 2023/24 season. He could also attract offers in the current transfer window in what is likely to be his final season at the club.
Under Antonio Conte this season, Moura has recovered from a tendon injury to return to action in October but his only starts have been against Sporting Lisbon and Marseille in the Champions League.
During the last window he was subject of interest from Aston Villa but Spurs were not interested in selling the forward, who has been at the club for five years following his £25million move from Paris Saint-Germain.
He has played regularly since arriving in the Premier League but this season has been hit by injury, with Conte using Heung-Min Son, Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski as forwards to support Harry Kane.
Bakayoko, still of Chelsea, hoping for free transfer
Tiemoue Bakayoko is in talks with AC Milan to end his loan with the Italian club and make him available for a move elsewhere.
The French midfielder, 28, is in the final part of a two-year loan at the San Siro but has not played this season. Chelsea, his parent club, will allow him to leave on a free transfer before his contract expires at the end of next season.
Leeds priority remains a striker
Leeds are focused on bringing a striker to Elland Road as a priority, with a move for Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi not ruled out for later in the window.
French club Angers want at least £25million for Ounahi, who was looked at while Leeds were chasing Kalvin Phillips’ replacement and eventually signing Tyler Adams.
Ounahi’s value has risen since the summer after he starred in his country’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.
Source: telegraph.co.uk