Marseille president Pablo Longoria confirms that Pape Gueye is free to leave during the January transfer window with Premier League strugglers Burnley reportedly eyeing up a £15 million deal.
The Ligue 1 giants, Longoria explains, had set a deadline of early January as they looked to tie the former Sevilla loanee down to a new deal. That deadline passed almost a week ago, however, and with Pape Gueye still yet to extend a contract which is due to expire in July, Marseille will no longer look to stand in his way should Burnley step up their interest.
According to reports, Burnley are lining up a potential £15 million deal.
Foot Mercato add that Vincent Kompany’s side are making regular approaches for the 24-year-old, even in the knowledge that Gueye will not be available immediately due to his involvement for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations.
Burnley hope to sign Marseille’s Pape Gueye
“The player is on the market,” Longoria now tells RMC Sport. “We are looking for the best solution for all parties.
“We proposed extension offers this season. The second (offer came) during the month of December. The player did not respond.
“We gave ourselves a deadline to think about it, January 6 or 7, and we did not receive a response.”
RMC add that, as far as Gueye’s camp are concerned, the issue lies in the timing of those contract offers. The France-born enforcer, who is understood to be keen on a stab at the Premier League after that whole messy Watford saga (The Athletic), did not want to enter discussions with Marseille while undergoing preparing for AFCON. Understandably, however, L’OM were keen for a decision to made before Gueye jetted out to the Ivory Coast, with January their last chance to cash in on a player who could leave for nothing in July.
Clarets agree David Datro Fofana deal
Burnley agreed their first signing of the winter on Friday. Talented young striker David Datro Fofana is set to join on loan from Chelsea. Kompany is hoping for further additions, while facing a decision over Connor Roberts’ future amid interest from Leeds United.
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