Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has paid tribute to Memphis Depay as Barcelona push to sign him this month.

The Dutch winger has been a target for Ronald Koeman since taking over at Barcelona in the summer and now, with the player's contract up in June 2021, he is free to discuss a move with another club.

Aulas, eager to keep hold of his star asset, sent out a public message on social media to Depay thanking him for his commitment to the club, in a move seen as a plea to convince him to stay.

"Thank you Memphis for everything you do as a footballer at Lyon," he wrote.

"You feel at home here and you are also an exceptional man who sets an example of ambition. You can stay as long as you want!"