Bournemouth are in advanced talks with Lille over a deal for Bafode Diakite.
The 24-year-old defender has been on Bournemouth’s radar for the past two years and is back in focus as they look to strengthen at centre back.
Diakite was the subject of interest from Sunderland earlier this summer and is valued around £30million.
He rose through the youth ranks of Toulouse before making his debut for the club at the age of 17.
Over four seasons with Toulouse’s first team, Diakite made 82 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals. He also spent time with Toulouse B, adding three goals in 10 appearances.
In August 2022, Diakite moved to Lille, signing a four-year contract. Since then, he has made 110 appearances.
Bournemouth are in advanced talks to sign £30m-rated defender Bafode Diakite from Lille
The 24-year-old centre back has been on the Cherries’ radar for the past two years
Bournemouth may face competition for Diakite, who was the subject of interest from Sunderland earlier this summer
Diakite has represented France at multiple youth levels – Under 16, U18, U19, and U21 – and was included in their squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Elsewhere, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and Genoa’s Koni de Winter are also among the names being considered by Bournemouth as they prepare to sell Illya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain.
Zabarnyi joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 and has made 86 appearances since.
Having earned 49 senior caps for Ukraine, the centre back was twice named Ukraine’s Golden Talent in 2020 and 2021.