Lyon may bid for Real Madrid striker Michael Owen - with the money they are set to receive for Michael Essien. Essien is set to join Chelsea for �26m and Lyon, who are known to admire Owen, 25, will use the fee for top signings.
Lyon spokesman Bernard Lacombe said: "We are ambitious and there are a few players we are interested in."
Lyon boss Gerard Houllier, who managed Owen at Liverpool, added: "I get on well with Michael and I still have contact with him and his family."
England forward Owen is tipped to leave Real Madrid, where he has fallen down the pecking order.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has already admitted his interest in the player, while manager Houllier is a long-time admirer following their time together at Anfield.
But Lyon are likely to face competition for Owen from a number of Premiership clubs.
Manchester United and Newcastle have been linked with the striker, while a move back to Liverpool also seems to be possible.
The transfer fee appears to have been a stumbling block but Lyon would have no problem meeting Madrid's �12m valuation following Essien's departure.
Lyon have already purchased Benoit Pedretti and Norway striker John Carew, who has scored three goals in as many league games, as the French champions look to make an impact in Europe.
Aulas earlier said: "If you ask me whether I would be happy to welcome Michael Owen to the club, the answer is yes, of course I would," he said.
MMIX
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