Nice manager Patrick Vieira has sent both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur a warning of their pursuit of Youcef Atal - claiming the French side are not sellers.
Both English clubs have been credited with an interest in the Algerian right back, with the Telegraph claiming that the Blues want to sign him in the summer should their transfer ban be lifted.
But they will face a whole host of competitors from across Europe for his signature after a season of impressive performances for Viera's club, with his latest one seeing him become the first Algerian in 33 years to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1 in a 3-0 win over Guingamp.
Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United? Statisticians predict who will win race for the top four
He played on the left of midfield in that game but is a right back by trade and could be the perfect addition for Chelsea as they look for strength in depth in that position, with Cesar Azpilicueta being Maurizio Sarri's first-choice option there all season long.
Atal only joined Nice in the summer from Belgian side Kortrijk while Nice themselves are still challenging for a Champions League spot next season, and while Vieira is insistent that they will hold onto him the club will face a fight in the summer for sure.
"We are not sellers. Youcef will be here next year," Vieira told the club's website .
"Youcef is improving. He works a lot. If you look at his goals, you see the aggression he has to be in the right place to score.
"He is a positive character with good spirit. He was rewarded for his efforts. The team allowed him to express himself and to show his talent.
"We were good in possession and that allowed us to be dangerous. What Atal has over the others is his desire to get into the box.
"Youcef played in this position when he was younger, it gives us different options for this season and next. But yes, he will almost certainly move back to his position against Nantes."
Ajax send eight-word message to Spurs quartet ahead of Champions League semi-final first leg tie
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
