Moussa Sissoko has revealed to the print edition of L’Equipe that he could leave Tottenham in the summer in order to better his chances of being selected in the France national squad to play in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 27-year-old midfielder named five French clubs he could join in the coming window although he insisted he would prefer a move to another English club.
Sissoko joined the North London side from Newcastle on the final day of the 2016 summer transfer window for a fee around £30million.
It has turned out to be a nightmare season for the Frenchman as he only made eight Premier League starts for Tottenham this season and despite providing two assists, he failed to contribute with a single league goal.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino preferred the likes of Eric Dier and new summer recruit Victor Wanyama in the middle of the park this season.
With Sissoko on the sidelines, Spurs enjoyed a great campaign finishing second behind eventual champions Chelsea and qualifying for the Champions League for the second consecutive year.
Speaking with the French newspaper L’Équipe (page 5 of the print edition), Sissoko believes that a move away from the Premier League would be a step in the right direction for his career in the long-term.
“I don’t think [the fee] will be a problem,” he stated.
“They know I am no longer a kid: I am 27 and I need to get to the World Cup. If a situation arrives where I can leave, I hope they don’t cause problems.
“Everyone knows that I would prefer to stay in England but I have not closed the door on other leagues. We will see if there are offers, but Ligue 1 is attractive.
“We saw that last season with Paris St Germain and Monaco, but also with teams like Lyon, Nice and Marseille.
“I will analyse everything and make the best decision.”
These comments follow up from the French outlet Journal du Dimanche reporting that Marseille are prepared to pay £21.5million for the midfielder.
Sissoko has been named in the France national squad for the upcoming fixtures against Paraguay, Sweden and England in June.