Championship rivals Derby County and Burnley eyeing summer moves for in-demand Portsmouth-linked man
Pompey were linked with a move for in-demand striker Bamba Dieng earlier this summer.
Bamba Dieng’s list of admirers in the Championship continues to grow ahead of the summer window.
The striker, who is currently starring in the World Cup for Senegal, is attracting fresh interest from the English second-tier ahead of the market’s opening on Monday.
A number of clubs are reportedly tracking the 26-year-old, who is available on a free transfer after departing Ligue 1 outfit Lorient at the end of the campaign.
Dieng’s stock is on the rise after enjoying his best season in front of goal, where he notched 16 goals in 26 outings in all competitions at the Stade du Moustoir.
Championship rivals eye Pompey-linked striker
Indeed, that impressive record has put Championship clubs on red alert ahead of the window, with Derby County and Burnley the latest two potential suitors.
That’s according to transfer guru Alan Nixon, who has reported Senegal international is firmly on John Eustace’s radar at Pride Park as they look to fill the void left by long-term absentee Patrick Agyemang, who is expected to be sidelined until 2027.
The fresh report suggests Burnley have also registered an interest as they prepare for life back in the second tier following their Premier League relegation.
The duo become the latest Championship sides believed to be tracking Dieng this summer, with West Brom, Blackburn Rovers and QPR said to be keen.
That’s after Pompey, Oxford United and Leicester City were initially linked in April, along with European outfits Freiburg, Hoffenheim, St Pauli, Sevilla and Real Betis.
Dieng will, of course, become a free agent at the end of the month after turning down a new deal with Lorient.
After making an £8m move from Marseille in January 2023, the Senegal international netted 23 goals in 60 outings for Les Murles.
But his best season in front of goal came last term, with Dieng appearing on the scoresheet 16 times in all competitions, helping Olivier Pantaloni’s side to a 10th-placed finish in France’s top flight.
The striker is currently away on international duty, representing Senegal in the World Cup.
Pompey’s striker options
John Mousinho will be looking for additional reinforcements in his front line during the window as the Blues brace for a busy summer.
Colby Bishop netted just four goals in all competitions last term, with fellow number nine Makenzie Kirk appearing on the scoresheet just once.
Thomas Waddingham spent much of the campaign on the sidelines, with a serious quad injury restricting him to just seven outings.
It is understood Plymouth Argyle frontman Arabim Pepple is on the Blues transfer shopping list, although Mousinho's side are also weighing up options abroad.
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