Sunderland pushing to sign Bafodé Diakité from Lille as Bournemouth exit the race | OneFootball

According to a report from Fabrice Hawkins, Sunderland are pushing to acquire the services of Bafodé Diakité (24) from Lille during the summer transfer window. The Ligue 1 club are demanding a fee in the region of €40m for the French defender.

Bournemouth had targeted a move for Diakité. However, after seeing a €30m bid rejected by Les Dogues for the defender, they have now exited the race for the 24-year-old’s signature. As a result, Sunderland have now assumed pole position in the race for the Frenchman.

Personal term agreed?

Hawkins understands that personal terms would be no issue if Diakité were to move to the newly promoted Premier League club. Sunderland are keen to recruit the Lille defender, and the interest in moving to the English top flight is reciprocated by the centre back. Nevertheless, the Black Cats will have to meet the €40m asking price before any move can take place.

GFFN | Liam Wraith