Lyon are set for a tug of war with Bordeaux over Yoann Gourcuff, after Bernard Lacombe admitted they are interested in bringing the attacking midfielder to the Stade Gerland.

The 23-year-old is a season into a four-year contract at Les Girondins but Lacombe, special advisor at Lyon, claimed he has been reliably informed the France international wants to join Les Gones. However, Lyon are likely to face stiff competition from their Ligue 1 rivals, with new Bordeaux coach Jean Tigana insisting Gourcuff is very much part of his plans.

I'm counting on him because I prefer to work with good players. But he is one of those who have a release clause.
Bordeaux coach Jean Tigana on the future of Yoann Gourcuff

Lacombe told L'Equipe: "He wants to come to us. I know it. He hasn't told me directly but people have told me so. We have to find a common ground with Bordeaux.

"It will be difficult. Unless there is a huge offer from us, Jean Tigana will do what it takes to keep him. But there is a chance. If there is a chance, why shouldn't we seize it?"

Gourcuff joined Bordeaux on loan from AC Milan in 2008 and had a hugely impressive first season at the Stade Chaban Delmas, helping them end Lyon's stranglehold on the Ligue 1 title and earning himself the player of the year award in the process. The move was made permanent last summer but the player's second campaign at the club was blighted by injury.

Nevertheless, Bordeaux are desperate to keep hold of him. "For me Yoann embodies the future of Les Girondins," Tigana told Le Parisien. "I'm counting on him because I prefer to work with good players. But he is one of those who have a release clause. If a club puts up the stated amount, we could not oppose his departure."

Gourcuff's release clause stands at €26.5m - a sum that has reportedly put off the likes of Manchester City.