Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele won’t be returning to former club Lyon this summer but does have other suitors in France, according to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare.

The Lowdown: Ndombele’s prospects

Having already fallen out of favour at Hotspur Way, the arrival of manager Antonio Conte did nothing to change this situation; in fact, the Italian even banished the player from training with his squad.

Consequently, the Frenchman left Spurs in January on a loan deal for the remainder of the season, joining up with his former club Lyon.

However, nearing the end of his sixth-month tenure, the Ligue 1 outfit decided they weren’t going to make the move permanent.

Upon his return in north London, the 25-year-old failed to make Conte’s pre-season squad, hinting at his impending exit from the Premier League club.

The Latest: Eccleshare’s news

Eccleshare understands that a move away from Tottenham is expected for the former France international this summer, but he doesn’t believe a return to Lyon is on the cards in any capacity.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, The Athletic journalist said:

“Obviously he went to Lyon in the second half of last season, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen again, that’s my understanding.

“There are other clubs in France who are interested, Marseille for instance, but that’s one again where the buying or loaning club can wait.”

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The Verdict: Needs the move

Making Lyon’s starting eleven on just seven occasions in the league last season, it appears Ndombele failed to impress whilst on loan at his former club.

Therefore, with Champions League bound Marseille reportedly interested, the 25-year-old should jump at the chance to make a permanent return to Ligue 1, where he once dominated the division, earning that staggering £63m move to the Lilywhites back in 2019.

Elsewhere, La Liga outfit Villarreal have been touted with interest. As per the Daily Mail, Unai Emery’s side are keen to bring the Frenchman in on loan this summer.

With the potential to start afresh in a new country, this could also be a great option for Ndombele, who has been fully ousted at Hotspur Way, despite having made 91 appearances for the club.

Initially, his Spurs teammates were highly complimentary of his abilities. West Ham skipper Declan Rice was even quoted having said: "All the Spurs boys at England say he’s unbelievable as well so Ndombele… proper player."

It is a mystery just how the situation at Tottenham turned so sour for the former Lyon star.