The tale of the two Diarras

Lens' France international Alou Diarra, seen here in June 2006, is preparing to join Lyon but the move hinges on his namesake Mahamadou Diarra's sale to Real Madrid.

Lens' France international Alou Diarra is preparing to join Lyon but the move hinges on his namesake Mahamadou Diarra's sale to Real Madrid.

Lyon's Diarra has agreed terms with Real and is all set to sign subject to the Mali international passing a routine medical in Madrid. He should have left for the Spanish capital Monday but his visit was delayed.

The two clubs have reached a deal which sees him joining David Beckham and company at the Bernabeu on a five year contract reported to be worth up to 26 million euros.

The only sticking point is the five percent of the transfer fee Real would have to pay to Diarra's former clubs under the selling-on clause in his contract.

If for some reason the transfer falls through there is an outside chance that Real could end up with Lens' Diarra, according to the midfielder's agent.

"If Mahamadou Diarra doesn't join Real Madrid there's a big chance that Real will sign Alou but it would astound me if things went that far," Janos Tooth told AFP on Monday.

"Nothing's been signed with Lyon," Tooth added.

"Discussions are going on between the two clubs. There's a chance that Alou could travel to Lyon in the next few hours. There have been meetings, talks. but as of now nothing's finalised."

If all the bits of the Diarra puzzle fall into place Alou will join Gerard Houllier's six-time title-seeking side on a four year deal worth seven million euros.

But Tooth added: "There's one chance in a thousand that Alou will be in Lyon's official team photo on Tuesday."