Everton eye Marseille forward Bamba Dieng for January deal
Everton are keeping tabs on Marseille and Senegal forward Bamba Dieng for a possible move in the January transfer window, according to 90min.
Dieng is best known for his bizarre transfer collapse when on the brink of a move to Leeds United last summer, one which saw the forward miss out on a move to Elland Road on the final day of the window.
But now Everton, alongside four other club’s, are watching the Marseille forward’s current contract negotiations closely with an eye on a move this month.
The 90min report says: “90min understands that Marseille are set to offer Bamba Dieng a new contract, having entered the final 18 months of his current deal, although a Premier League transfer could be calling instead.
“There are as many as five English clubs looking at Dieng with a view to potentially bringing him to the Premier League before the January window closes.
“Having seen Patrick Bamford again struggle for fitness and form this season, Leeds have resurrected their interest in Dieng, who initially moved to Europe from Diambars in Senegal in 2020.
“But they are not alone in tracking the striker as Crystal Palace, West Ham, Leicester and Everton are all keeping tabs on him. Crystal Palace, West Ham and Everton in particular have found goals difficult to come by this season, all averaging one or fewer per game in the Premier League.”
Striker wanted.
The Blues desperately need a new striker yet the club hasn’t pulled the trigger on a potential signing yet and the clock is ticking.
Dieng is an interesting proposition to consider, since he isn’t getting a lot of game time at Marseille and did look decent in the World Cup for Senegal.
However, it seems like every Premier League club who are in the current relegation scrap are eyeing up the 22-year-old, so it may be a tough ask to tempt him to Merseyside.
Also, pinning your hopes and survival dreams on a striker who isn’t proven in England is a risky bet, one which the Toffees should probably avoid.
Other rumoured targets like Ben Brereton Diaz and Anthony Elanga fit the bill better for what Everton need right now and would be safer options than the Senegalese man.
And with the shenanigans Dieng pulled off in his failed move to Leeds, it’s probably worth giving him a miss.