According to Ryan Taylor, Marseille are trying to “force” Crystal Palace and Newcastle target Bamba Dieng to leave.
What’s the story?
Well, this is an odd update, to say the least.
Dieng enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 campaign, scoring eight goals in all competitions for Marseille, while also netting twice at the Africa Cup of Nations to help Senegal win the tournament.
Now, however, Marseille want to sell him after Igor Tudor replaced Jorge Sampaoli in the dugout.
As Taylor states, Crystal Palace and Newcastle held talks to sign Dieng in January.
Currently, the Eagles and the Magpies remain interested in the 22-year-old.
Crystal Palace are keen to take advantage of Dieng’s relationship with Patrick Vieira – the pair know each other well, and the striker actually came through an Academy set up by the 46-year-old in Senegal.
Newcastle also retain an interest, although they and Crystal Palace face competition from SC Freiburg.
However, Taylor states that he has been told by the forward’s representatives that a move is not happening.
For those of you who are unaware of Dieng’s qualities, it may help to know that he has been compared to Sadio Mane.
Crystal Palace & Newcastle should bid
In our view, Marseille are potentially making a huge mistake by allowing Dieng to leave.
The Senegal international appears to be a forward of real promise, who has already made an impact on the first-team in Marseille despite a lack of starts.
Dieng made just 11 starts in Ligue 1 last season, but still managed to score seven league goals.
With Marseille now forcing him to leave, it is surely worth Crystal Palace and Newcastle submitting a bid for the exciting attacker, who is valued at £12m.
Of course, Taylor states that Dieng isn’t going anywhere, but the lure of the Premier League could be too good to refuse, especially as he is no longer wanted at the Stade Vélodrome.
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