Brighton, Southampton and West Ham are all set to miss out on the signing of Clermont Foot 63 striker Mohamed Bayo, with the French club blocking an exit this January.
According to the Sun journalist Alan Nixon, the Premier League trio will be unable to sign the Guinea international until the summer.
Clermont are eager to keep hold of the forward for the remainder of the season, with Pascal Gastien’s side hovering above the relegation zone.
Bayo had been chased by the Premier League sides since last summer. However, a decision has now been made by Clermont to postpone a sale for the striker this January in an attempt to claim Ligue 1 survival, which would be a huge accomplishment for the club.
The news will come as a blow to Brighton, Southampton and West Ham, with all three sides having a solid case of needing a striker this January, with Bayo an ideal option for either Premier League club.
The striker has already compared himself to Swedish footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic via Ligue 1’s official website, with French football expert Liam Wraith likening Bayo to Romelu Lukaku as per the Argus.
Transfer could happen depending on Bayo’s form fro Clermont
Indeed, with Brighton, Southampton and West Ham all needing strikers, Bayo, who has bagged nine goals in 17 league appearances this season, could have been ideal given his age of just 23-years-old and his form this campaign.
However, with Clermont stating their intention to keep the forward until the summer, this decision could result in either Premier League side landing a bargain with the striker.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
