Bamba Dieng tells Everton his transfer wish amid late U-turn development
Marseille striker Bamba Dieng has told Everton he wishes to join Ligue 1 side Lorient before the January window closes, according to Footmercato.
French journalist Santo Aouna claimed (personal Twitter account,24 January) Everton were looking to “hijack” Lorient’s move for the 22-year-old Senegalese international.
It appeared the Toffees’ deal for Dieng could well come off after it was revealed (Express Sport, 25 January) Marseille had blocked Dieng’s impending transfer to Lorient due to Terem Moffi refusing to head in the other direction.
However, Footmercato now report (27 January) that talks are still ongoing between the two French clubs and that Dieng favours a move to the Brittany-based side due to the chance of more game time.
Unsurprising
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to many Evertonians. The links to Dieng have been somewhat tenuous and it now seems likely that he will be heading to the northwest of France instead. With there just a matter of days left in the window the pressure is starting to rise at Goodison Park.
Sean Dyche is set to be appointed as the club’s new manager (Sky Sports, 27 January) and the 51-year-old will have a hell of a couple of days in store. The Toffees desperately need some reinforcements, particularly in attacking areas.
Furthermore, if Anthony Gordon departs in the coming days, another winger will also be on the agenda. It’s going to take a remarkable turn of events for the former Burnley man to pull this group of players away from the relegation zone. However, he’s probably the one candidate who has the ability to get a consistent tune out of this group of players.