According to a report by ESPN journalist James Olley, writing on Twitter, has claimed that there are indeed 'talks ongoing' between Tottenham Hotspur and Lyon for midfield ace Houssem Aouar - but there's been a twist.

The Lowdown: Spurs join race for Aouar...

Multiple reports from France have emerged over this last week detailing Tottenham's interest in the 23-year-old.

Le10sport claimed last week that Spurs had entered contention for the player alongside north London rivals Arsenal, and his possible price tag of up to €25 million (£21.4m) would not be a problem for Daniel Levy.

ESPN reporter Julien Laurens backed that report on Thursday evening, writing on Twitter that Tottenham have now entered the conversation.

The Latest: Olley breaks transfer twist...

Now, fellow ESPN journalist Olley has broken a transfer twist involving Aouar and Tottenham.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-2/" title="Tottenham latest!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

Indeed, the reporter has now made a quite a stunning claim, with Spurs allegedly offering Lyon the chance to re-sign Tanguy Ndombele in a swap deal.

Ndombele put pen to paper on a £63m move to Tottenham from the Ligue 1 giants in 2019, smashing the Lilywhites' transfer record in the process (Sky Sports), but managing director Fabio Paratici could now let him go the other way in a move for Aouar.

Sources have apparently told ESPN and Olley that there has been no response from Lyon as of yet in regards to their proposal.

The Verdict: Stunning...

Given the French playmaker is available for a cut price deal, this news that Spurs are willing to part ways with their record signing is a rather stunning claim.

Aouar has been a wanted man for the last few seasons with Premier League champions Manchester City also heavily linked last summer.

His price tag back then was said to be a whopping £54m but the ace's huge price drop has seemingly gifted Spurs a chance.

There is arguably no need to offer Ndombele in a swap due to Lyon's very attainable £21.4m valuation and we believe Spurs simply must win the race without exchanging players.

Lauded as an 'unbelievable dribbler' and 'quality player' by podcaster Tommy Lister (LFC Transfer Room), Aouar has notched 32 goals and 31 assists across 170 appearances for Lyon (Transfermarkt).

Therefore, we urge Paratici and co to just pay his asking price without the needless haggling.

In other news: 'Sensational'...Sky pundit reacts as Nuno eyes 'fabulous player' for Spurs, find out more here.