Saint Etienne have confirmed on their official website how they have backed out of a deal for reported West Bromwich Albion summer target N’Baye Niang.
The Rennes striker was heavily linked with a move during the summer.
A report in The Sun last month claimed West Bromwich Albion were keen, and the striker was desperate to join the Baggies following his 15-goal campaign last term.
Le Parisien reported in June how the club’s new president, Nicolas Holveck, wanted a minimum of €18-20 million (£16.4-18.2m) for the former Watford loanee.
Niang’s proposed move to the Hawthorns, however, failed to materialise.
The international transfer window closed on October 5. However, in France, they have a ‘joker’ card allowing each club to make one more post-deadline deal.
St Etienne fixed their eyes on Niang. However, despite an agreement reached between the clubs, St Etienne claimed the intervention of several agents made it impossible.
Footmercato say Rennes manager Julien Stephan will welcome him back with open arms. However, the player’s frustration will be evident after another failed move.
West Brom, meanwhile, are still searching for another striker.
The Baggies can take advantage of the domestic deadline allowing Premier League and EFL clubs to conclude further deals before the October 16 deadline.
Bournemouth’s Joshua King is a reported target. The Sun, however, claim the Cherries’ £12 million asking price has thrown the Baggies off while other clubs remain keen.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, claim Huddersfield Town’s Karlam Grant is also an option, with boss Slaven Bilic keen to get a deal done following Hal Robson-Kanu’s injury.
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