Lyon chief hits out at Real Madrid over Diarra

Olympique Lyon have rejected a £15 million bid from Real Madrid for midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

Real made the offer yesterday, which also included a selection of fringe players for Lyon to choose from. But the bid was turned down flat by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.

Lyon chief Bernard Lacombe hit out at Real last night: "The way Real have come to us is a little amazing and we are astonished by the reaction of the player."

"I can understand, a little, the reaction of the player after being contacted by Real Madrid. But it seems strange that the Madrid club announces that his signing is high-priority, but has only acted now with just two weeks left before the end of the transfer market."