Loan-to-buy option emerges in West Ham chase for Bamba Dieng, Newcastle circling
Marseille would consider a loan-to-buy deal for Senegal striker Bamba Dieng, amid interest from West Ham and multiple others, reports The Express.
RMC in France had previously reported that Jorge Sampaoli’s side needed to sell the international forward for financial reasons but it has now emerged that they will consider a delayed payment option.
Earlier today The Mail were reporting that the Hammers were joined by Crystal Palace in making contact with the French side over a transfer, but the Express have added Brighton and crucially Newcastle to the list of clubs who have spoken to the club or the player’s agent.
The paper reports that: “[T]he French giants would also be willing to negotiate a loan with an option or obligation to buy.”
They suggest this has put Newcastle in pole position to secure a transfer late in the window thanks to their FFP considerations.
Low cost option
David Moyes is thought to be eager to add a striker to his squad to take some of the pressure off Michail Antonio, with options such as Ben Brereton Diaz and Armando Broja already linked (Express).
Kaveh Solhekol was reporting last week on Sky Sports’ Transfer Show that the Hammers board were willing to financially back the manager but the Scot was “struggling” to find value in the market.
In that sense, the option to bring in an international striker who has already scored at the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal this month for low or no cost should be attractive.
If an option to buy is included, or even an obligation if he reached a certain level of goals, it would make the risk-reward element of a deal suit the club, and at only 21 he should still develop.
With hot competition from across the Premier League, the Irons will need to move quickly for the man who has scored four goals so far this season.
In other West Ham news, this Sky Sports update suggests the club are planning to leave it late before a double swoop.