Newcastle United enter race to sign Everton target Bamba Dieng, player wants Premier League move
Newcastle United have made a move for Marseille striker Bamba Dieng, edging ahead of Everton in the race for his signature according to 90min.
The Toffees are looking to add a new striker to the squad following the sale of Richarlison to Tottenham, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to struggle with his fitness.
Everton have been scouring French football and have been linked with Ligue 1 forwards Ludovic Ajorque and Sehou Guirassy, as well as Dieng, but the Magpies have now moved to get a deal done for the Senegal international.
According to 90min the player’s representatives are locked in talks with his current club to secure a move and a transfer to the Premier League is looking “increasingly likely”.
Leeds, Celtic and several European clubs are also interested in the 22-year-old, who has fallen out of favour under new manager Igor Tudor and wants to leave ahead of the World Cup later this year.
Options
It’s pretty clear and obvious that Everton are desperate for a striker right now, and it’s likely that everyone who becomes available within a certain budget will now be linked to Goodison Park.
However there is something in the chat with Dieng, as he fits the profile of striker that have already been linked.
While he’s only 5ft 10, he’s quick, mobile, a good finisher and able to lead the line as a lone striker which is something that Lampard will see as essential for the way he wants to play.
With just three weeks remaining in the transfer window the club need to make a decision and get a move on to be able to strengthen the squad and give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation this season.
No striker incoming will almost certainly leave a huge problem for the first half of the season, and they aren’t short of options, so it’s now just about honing in on one and getting it over the line.