French police have opened an investigation into a death threat addressed to Lille midfielder Florent Balmont.

PA PhotosFlorent Balmont signed for Lille from Nice in 2008

The Nord Eclair newspaper reports that Balmont, 32, received the threat, which came from a neighbour, at his home in Marcq-en-Baroeul.

Further claims in La Voix du Nord, suggest the dispute could have arisen because the neighbour was angry that the player had failed to grant his request for tickets to a game.

Another report said Lille had sent security personnel to Balmont's home. The player suffered a burglary in 2008.