Téléfoot report that Olympique Lyonnais have entered the race to sign ESTAC Troyes forward Mama Baldé (27), who is also the subject of interest from Premier League side Sheffield United.
Les Gones have submitted a first bid to their Troyes counterparts with talks currently underway between the involved parties. The Guinea-Bissau international would be keen to join Laurent Blanc’s side. Baldé is expected to part ways with Troyes in the wake of the City Football Group-owned team’s relegation to the second tier. The 27-year-old’s contract Troyes runs until 2025. Baldé was arguably Troyes’ best player last season, logging 12 goals and four assists.
L’Équipe understands that Baldé would be used as Alexandre Lacazette’s understudy for the centre-forward role. The Aubois striker’s arrival is therefore not linked to Bradley Barcola’s uncertain future at the Groupama Stadium. The Lyon youth product and France U21 international handed in a transfer request yesterday. L’Équipe adds that Lyon would favour a loan move rather than a permanent deal. Troyes are expected to demand €10m to let go of their prized asset. A yet unnamed Ligue 1 side are also keeping tabs on Baldé. Lyon would be keen to offload struggling strikers Tino Kadewere and Amin Sarr.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
