Ayyoub Bouaddi waved goodbye to the Lille OSC fans on Sunday ahead of his impending move to Manchester City. The deal, it is understood, will be worth over €100m. It gives Les Dogues wiggle room as they look to source a replacement for the Morocco international. And his replacement, Foot Mercato understands, may have been found already.

The publication understands that Gjivai Zechiel has been earmarked as the priority as LOSC look to replace their outgoing starlet. The 22-year-old, a Dutch U21 international, currently plays his football at Feyenoord.

Zechiel keen on Lille move

In three games this season, the midfielder already has three goals, as well as one assist. LOSC’s interest in Zechiel is not new, however, a new bid is now expected to be submitted. The player himself is keen on a move to the Ligue 1 club during the current transfer window. Bouaddi’s replacement may already have been found.