Today's Evening Standard carries the rumour that Tottenham Hotspur may be planning a 'French Connection' deal along the lines of the Arsenal / Saint Etienne link. David Pleat has been in discussions with FC Nantes Atlantique, renowned as the leading 'academy' club in France, responsible for (among many others) Marcel Desailly and Didier Deschamps.

Spurs-Nantes would be an interesting partnership, as there is a traditional rivalry between 'les Verts' of Saint Etienne and 'les Jaunes' of Nantes, although not perhaps as vitriolic as the north London relationship. French football in the late 60s and early 70s was entirely dominated by the two clubs, and there are many nostalgic fans who - if they only attend one game all year - will make the effort to go to see Nantes v Saint Etienne.

I'm just annoyed because I used to live in Nantes and became quite a fan. I suppose that's out the window now!