Chelsea have reportedly been knocked back in their attempts to sign Senegal striker Mbaye Diagne.
Turkish newspaper Milliyet claim the Blues have had a £13.5million bid rejected for the Kasimpasa striker, who has also attracted interest from Wolves and Leeds in recent months.
The paper suggest that the Süper Lig outfit want £27million if they are to part company with the forward – who has scored 20 goals in 17 appearances so far this season.
It is unknown at this stage whether Chelsea will make another move for Diagne, but they are looking to bring in a No.9 in this window due to their issues in this position this season.
Here is what you need to know about Diagne:
What clubs has he played for?
Diagne started his career in the lower leagues of Italy and, after prolific spells at both Brandizzo 27 goals in 30 games) and AC Bra (23 goals in 29 appearances), he sealed a huge move to Juventus in 2013, who were managed by Antonio Conte at the time.
He was shipped out on loan in September of that year though, joining French side Ajaccio, managed by Conte’s former club and international team-mate Fabrizio Ravanelli.
He returned to Turin at the start of 2014, with his next step a loan move to Belgian side Lierse.
He impressed during his brief spell in the Pro League, notching seven goals in 11 appearances.
Further loan stints with in Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Hungary followed before Chinese side Tianjin TEDA signed him from Juve in January 2016.
After scoring 15 goals in 45 appearances across two spells, he made the switch back to Europe when Kasimpasa came calling for his services this time last year.
What is his style of play?
Diagne is a powerful and imposing forward who is a real menace in the penalty area and threat at set-pieces.
Five of his 20 goals this season have been via headers, while another six have come from the penalty spot – proving he is a cool customer in front of goal.
How has he performed this season?
WhoScored.com have given him a rating of 7.69 for his performances so far this season.
Diagne has scored an incredible 20 goals in 17 appearances, while also registering two assists along the way.
International career
Diagne didn’t receive his first Senegal cap until last year. He has earned three caps in total, but didn’t make the cut for their World Cup squad.
Who are interested in him?
Diagne’s form has unsurprisingly not gone unnoticed, with a host of clubs monitoring the forward’s situation as things stand.
As well as the aforementioned trio, the 27-year-old has also attracted interest from West Ham and Fulham.
Diagne, who has his sight set on a move to the Premier League in the future, has a contract with Kasimpasa until June 2022.
