Brazilian striker and Tottenham target Leandro Damiao's agent claims his client feels Marseille is a better alternative to Spurs.

The 23-year-old has long been linked with a move to the north London outfit. Recent reports suggested Tottenham have opened talks with the player's camp regarding a switch this summer. However, the player's representative, Vinicius Prates, has now revealed the club are yet to make an approach for his client and stated the forward was now attracted by a move to France.

"Marseille could be an interesting club for Leandro Damiao - especially since there is nothing completed with Tottenham. Moreover, the championship of France has become competitive with big clubs like Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco," the agent pointed out.

Leandro Damiao
Reuters

Prates has denied contact from Marseille so far. However, Spurs now run the risk of missing out on their target, with the French outfit, who can offer Champions League football, understood to be weighing up a bid to capitalise on the player's situation.

"I have not been contacted by Olympique de Marseille. The leaders of this team have not made me an offer for my client. In any case, Marseille are a great club with a great history and France is a country where life is good," Prates added.

Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo recently admitted the club had been monitoring Damiao but insisted his price tag was beyond their budget.

Damiao has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for Internacional this season but has been withdrawn from his country's Confederations Cup squad, after he picked up a thigh injury in training on Friday.

"The scan [on Damiao] found a grade two muscle strain in his right thigh, which requires an estimated period of recovery of three weeks," read a statement from Brazil's Football Federation said.

Damiao suffered the knock while preparing for the weekend's friendly with France. Atletico Mineiro forward and former Manchester City star Jo has been called up as a replacement in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad.