Right now, Lyon could do with finding the next Karim Benzema to sell to the Premier League.
The seven-times champions of France face relegation to the second tier at the end of the season if they cannot put their finances in order, after the club recently announced debts of £422million.
Under current spending rules, the easiest way to make the balance sheet look healthier would be to sell players in January. Historically one of the best in Europe, Lyon’s youth system produced Benzema, Alexandre Lacazette, Hatem Ben Arfa, Anthony Martial, Nabil Fekir, Samuel Umtiti and Bradley Barcola yet the cupboard is virtually bare when Lyon need it most.