William Gallas looks set to leave White Hart Lane as Tottenham prepare to trim their defensive cover in the summer. Andre Villas-Boas believes the club have too many senior centre-backs and wants to cut the number from five to four.

That spells bad news for the Frenchman, who is in the final months of his contract. He turns 36 in August but believes he is fit enough to play for two more years.

Gallas, who is expected to start tonight’s Europa League tie against Lyon, says that he is happy to wait until the summer for a decision. But he admits he would welcome an invitation to stay, particularly as he believes Tottenham are on the brink of winning trophies.

“We had to improve in games against some of the so-called small teams,” Gallas said. “When we play these teams we have to take three points and if we compare this season to last, we are starting to do this. The players now have the right mentality, they want to win every game. They will definitely win something, if not this season then next season.”

Hugo Lloris is unlikely to play against his former club now that he has become Tottenham’s first-choice goalkeeper, meaning Brad Friedel will probably start against Lyon.