Olympique Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admits Fred could still leave this month.

A move to Tottenham collapsed yesterday over personal terms and remains a target for Middlesbrough. Aulas says: "He is going to play the waiting game until January 31, and perhaps after that.

"He has just announced that he is staying? That's great. But he can also say the day after tomorrow that he is leaving for Tottenham or Middlesbrough because they gave him what he wants.

"What bothers me most is his indecision. If I knew that he said this because he really wanted to stay, I would be relieved."