Angers SCO midfielder Azzedine Ounahi couldn't spur on a comeback for his side after coming on as a substitute in their 2-1 defeat to Clermont Foot amid links to Leeds United.
The 22-year-old has been rumoured with a move to Elland Road over the past few weeks and was left on the bench by manager Abdelaziz Bouhazama having not featured in a matchday squad for them since November due to the World Cup.
The Moroccan international played a key role in his country's incredible run to the semi-final stage of the tournament in Qatar last month, and has been tipped to be Jesse Marsch's next signing this month.
Goals from Clermont midfielder Elabsan Rashani and left-back Neto Borges either side of halftime gave Angers a lot to do to get back into the match.
But following Ounahi's introduction at the hour mark, an 80th-minute finish from Sofiane Boufal gave their side some hope for a result.
But late chances went amiss as they searched for an equaliser, meaning they stay bottom of Ligue 1 having taken just eight points from their first 19 matches.
Another club heavily interested in the youngster is Serie A giants Napoli but reports earlier this week suggested that they were 'pessimistic' in their approach after hearing what the Whites had offered Angers for his services.
Having already bought in defender Max Wober from Red Bull Salzburg and striker Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim, the addition of a central midfielder wouldn't go amiss for Marsch's squad, especially someone of the calibre of Ounahi.
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