Premier League trio Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and West Ham United have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Maxime Lopez due to Marseille's financial situation.
Lopez is out of contract at the Ligue 1 side next summer, but talks over a new deal are understood to have stalled.
French outlet Le10 Sport claims that Marseille cannot afford to offer the midfielder fresh terms and that they will look to cash in on him when the transfer window reopens as a result.
Marseille are reportedly facing losses of up to €100m (£87m) and will therefore be forced to accept an approach from Spurs, Villa or West Ham should they meet his £10m asking price.
Twenty-two-year-old central midfielder Lopez has made 27 appearances for Marseille this season.
