Derby County 'keen' on Senegal World Cup striker set to face France

Derby County are reported to be “keen” on signing Senegal World Cup striker Bamba Dieng.

The 26-year-old African forward is leaving French side Lorient at the end of his contract and the Rams are, according to The Sun’s transfer specialist Alan Nixon, “exploring a deal” for the African forward.

The report claims that newly relegated Burnley are also interested in the player, insisting the Clarets need an extra goal threat within their budget following their drop out of the Premier League and return to the Championship.

Dieng, the report claims, has offers in Europe but would like to come to England, although he is wary of dropping into the second tier.

Derby’s interest, meanwhile, continues while the club wait to see if there is a takeover happening.

Dieng began his career with Diambars in the Senegal Premier League, scoring 12 goals in his first 14 games in his debut season. He finished as the top scorer of the Senegal Premier League for the 2019–20 season.

A versatile forward who can also play on the left wing, Dieng signed for Marseille on a loan deal with an option to buy in October 2020 and managed 11 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 club.

He switched to fellow Ligue 1 side Lorient in 2023 and managed 22 goals in 55 games, most recently scoring nine in 18 showings.

Senegal are in World Cup Group I along with France, Norway and Iraq, and get their campaign up and running on Tuesday against one of the tournament favourites, France.

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