Blackburn target Ibrahima Koné to stay at Lorient | OneFootball

Malian international Lorient striker Ibrahima Koné (23) is set to remain with the Brittany outfit despite interest from Championship side Blackburn, according to a report from L’Équipe.

Koné has scored two goals and registered one assist in 19 Ligue 1 games this season. He also struck twice in two Coupe de France ties. The Malian international is tied to Lorient with a contract set to expire in 2026. Les Merlus’ hierarchy and Blackburn were reportedly close to an agreement in principle for a loan move. 19th-placed Ligue 1 side Auxerre were also keeping tabs on him.

Now though, Koné will almost certainly stay put at FCL as Nigerian forward Terem Moffi (23) is expected to depart, with OGC Nice leading the race to capture his signature. Koné, a strong and powerful forward, is expected to partner with new Lorient signing Senegalese international Bamba Dieng (22) who is more of a wide player. The Brittany outfit is set to completely shuffle their attacking options during this January transfer window as Dango Ouattara (20) joined Bournemouth and out-of-favour Lyon midfielder Romain Faivre (24) arrived on loan.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval