Marseille block transfer for Everton-linked Bamba Dieng, Toffees look to ‘hijack’ deal
Marseille have blocked Bamba Dieng’s transfer to Lorient as Everton remain in the hunt for the 22-year-old striker, according to Express Sport.
According to FootMercato journalist, Santi Aouna (via Twitter, 24 January), the Toffees are trying to “hijack” the deal for the Senegal striker.
Express Sport have since revealed (25 January) Marseille have now blocked his impending move to Lorient due to Terem Moffi refusing to head in the other direction.
“Express Sport can extraordinarily reveal that Marseille are now blocking Bamba Dieng’s £9million move to Lorient as Terem Moffi doesn’t want to join OM,” they wrote.
“Nice are now working to close a deal for West Ham target Moffi, who trained with Lorient on Wednesday morning, and he is their preferred destination of choice.
“Dieng, who is of interest to Southampton and has been linked with both Everton and Leeds, flew to Brittany with his agent last night ahead of a medical on Wednesday but now Marseille are stalling.”
Unsurprising
This story is reminiscent of plenty of January transfer stories of the past – and it’s not a surprise to see a deal fall at the final hurdle. Considering Everton were hot on the heels of Dieng, it will be interesting to see if they attempt to hijack the deal.
Another forward-thinking player is desperately needed at Goodison Park with there only a matter of days left in the window. The Toffees were dealt a huge blow when they missed out on Arnaut Danjuma, but it’s essential the board don’t lose focus of what is required over the course of the next week.
A manager would make life a lot easier, with players potentially snubbing the Toffees due to there being no permanent boss in the dugout at Goodison Park.
However, after this latest twist in the Dieng saga, it would not be a shock to hear Everton’s name in the conversation once again.