According to a report from Fabrice Hawkins, Sunderland is actively pursuing the acquisition of Bafodé Diakité (24) from Lille this summer. The French club values its defender at approximately €40 million.
Previously, Bournemouth had also shown interest in Diakité. However, after their €30 million bid was rejected by Les Dogues (Lille`s nickname), they withdrew from the race to sign the 24-year-old. Consequently, Sunderland now holds the leading position in this transfer pursuit.
Personal Terms Agreed?
Hawkins indicates that personal terms would not pose an issue if Diakité decides to join the newly promoted Premier League club. Sunderland is highly interested in bringing in the Lille defender, and this interest is reciprocated by the center-back, who is eager to play in the English top flight. Nevertheless, the Black Cats will need to meet the demanded €40 million price tag before any deal can be finalized.
