West Bromwich Albion are holding talks over a deal that would see £20 million Metz striker Habib Diallo move to the Premier League on an initial loan deal, according to The Sun (27 September, page 61).
In May, when the prospect of top-flight football returning to our screens felt like little more than a pipe dream, Metz president Bernard Serin admitted the Senegal international was free to leave the Ligue 1 outfit – albeit for a sizeable transfer fee.
“He is 24 years old, it is time for him to pursue his career elsewhere,” Serin told France Bleu.
“Our objective is to sell Habib Diallo and leave more room in the attack for (replacement) Ibrahima Niane.”
Four months on, it seems little has changed.
There may be just one week remaining in the transfer window and, while the likes of Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur appear to be looking elsewhere these days, Diallo is still available for transfer – and eyeing a move to the Premier League.
West Brom are still in the market for attacking reinforcements, with Slaven Bilic’s Baggies potentially set to make Diallo’s dreams come true.
Metz want £20 million for a rangy, speedy striker who scored 13 Ligue 1 goals last term.
West Brom are holding talks over an initial loan deal, which would become permanent if the Midland giants stave off relegation this season.
The report adds that West Brom also hope to snap up another forward scoring goals for fun across the Channel – Rennes’ M’baye Niang.
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