Reported Tottenham and West Ham United target M’baye Niang has shown an interest in leaving Rennes this summer, the Ligue 1 side’s coach Julian Stephan has told Homme du Match.
After producing the most prolific season of his career with 15 goals in just 36 games, a journeyman forward should perhaps look at the example set by Mario Balotelli – and then do exactly the opposite.
Balotelli scored goals for fun away from the limelight at Nice but, rather than stay where he was trusted and loved, the Italian could not resist that nagging feeling of wanderlust.
Since leaving Nice last year, Balotelli has played just 19 games, scored five goals, suffered relegation with his hometown club and, just to add insult to injury, now finds himself linked with a third-tier side.
Niang, however, is obviously convinced that he can make a name for himself away from a Rennes side who shocked all observers by finishing third in 2019/20 and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.
“I had a frank discussion with him on the resumption (of training). Yes, he saw himself leaving – or rather his entourage (saw him leaving),” said Stephan.
“It was necessary to “catch up” the player, to involve him again in the project. From a physical point of view, M’Baye is back in shape.”
Speaking to La Provence last week, Andre Villas-Boas ruled out a move to Marseille for the ex-Torino, AC Milan and Watford speedster.
AVB’s former club, Tottenham, do appear to be interested in a potential £18 million deal, according to L’Equipe in May.
FootMercato also mentioned Newcastle and West Ham as potential destinations for a forward who will be desperate to prove that his stellar 2019/20 season was the beginning of a new era rather than yet another false dawn.
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