Agent CONFIRMS Arsenal and Liverpool's interest in French sensation

LYON playmaker Yoann Gourcuff has attracted interest from clubs in both England and Italy, according to his agent Didier Poulmaire.

Yoann GourcuffGETTY

Yoann Gourcuff is set to leave Lyon at the end of the season

The France international has been closely watched by Premier League pair Arsenal and Liverpool since bursting onto the Ligue 1 scene in 2009 with Bordeaux.

However, the 28-year-old, who was once dubbed the 'next Zinedine Zidane', has failed to live up to his potential due to a number of injury setbacks.

Gourcuff's contract at Lyon - where he joined in 2010 for £20m - is set to expire in the summer and will therefore be available to snap up on a free transfer.

And Poulmaire admits there has been interest coming from England and Italy in recent weeks, with AC Milan also reportedly keeping tabs on his availability.

Yoann GourcuffGETTY

Yoann Gourcuff has failed to live up to his potential at Lyon

Clubs in Italy and England are contacting me

Didier Poulmaire

His representative said: "It is incredible. Even since Saturday, people have been calling me.

"They know how talented Yoann is.

"Those who follow football say: 'This is not possible. He is truly talented. At Bordeaux, he did incredible things and now, it is not working anymore.'

"People want to understand why the machine has derailed. But clubs in Italy and England are contacting me. That I find is reassuring."

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