Lyon remain hopeful of Depay snubbing Barca interest and staying put

The Dutch forward has been tipped to join forces with his national team manager when the transfer market reopens in the summer.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas remains hopeful for Memphis Depay to commit his future to the club by signing a contract extension.

As things stand, Lyon are set to lose Depay for free as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old was strongly linked with a move to FC Barcelona last summer, and the Catalan giants are supposedly still interested in signing the ex-Manchester United man.

When asked about his future back in December, the Netherlands international claimed to happy at the Groupama Stadium but refused to rule out an exit.

The frontman continues to be Lyon’s principal source of goals, having found the net 15 times in 30 games in Ligue 1 and Coupe de France, and the club chief is hoping that Ligue 1 success could convince him to stay put.

“For Memphis, I dream that he accepts our proposal, which is still relevant,” said Aulas in an interview with the AFP.

“He brings so much, he has been directly involved in 23 league goals this season. The offer will stay there and, if we are champions, why not?”