Real Madrid defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra insists no agreement has been reached over a transfer to Tottenham - and he does not expect that to change.

The 26-year-old former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth player has been linked with a 12million euros (around £10.6m) switch to White Hart Lane to link up with his former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp.

But he today poured cold water on such claims, telling AS: "The information about my departure is a lie.

"There is no agreement with Tottenham and I do not think there will be."

Speaking at Nice airport, having been given permission by Madrid to travel to see his brother who has just undergone knee surgery, Diarra added: "I have a contract with Real Madrid until 2013 and Jose Mourinho is my coach."

The France international joined Madrid from Portsmouth for 20million euros (around £17.6m) in January 2009. He featured in 26 Primera Division games and 10 Champions League matches for the capital club, and also helped Jose Mourinho's side win the Copa del Rey.