Lens keen to keep Thomert

Lens have stated they will not let in-demand Olivier Thomert leave until next summer.

Lens have stated they will not let star man Olivier Thomert leave until next summer at least, in the face of strong interest from Ligue 1 leaders Lyon and a number of Premiership sides.

The 25-year-old attacker has wowed scouts at Stade Bolleart again this season, and Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has been joined in his pursuit of the player by both West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur.

Hammer boss Alan Pardew is reportedly ready to offer ‚é¼8.5 million (£5.85 million) for Thomert, but Lyon have made the most firm approach having offered the same fee plus Sylvain Wiltord.

Whilst Thomert remains hot property, Lens have so far rejected all approaches, and chairman Gervais Martel says the French side have no intention of compromising their fine start to the season by selling their most valued asset.

"I don't want to weaken my team," Martel told But!

"I want a great second part of Le Championnat and a great Thomert, the time when we put the club in danger to please a player is over.

"The players know our project, the club has to be set at the highest level before 2009.

"Olivier is achieving a great season, as we expected since his arrival.

"He shows incredible potential, he has become a key player.

"We have talked and found a deal, he goes on and if he wants, he could leave in June.

"I never change a given word."

If Lyon manage to steal Thomert away from Lens, l'OL boss Gerrard Houllier could be tempted to allow Florent Malouda to leave after the World Cup finals - paving the way for a possible move to Manchester United.