Middlesbrough told to snub transfer for player whose wages 'must be massive' | OneFootball

Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day does not want the club to pursue a move for Bamba Dieng, despite his good record in Ligue 1 last season.

Middlesbrough have been told to steer clear of a transfer move for Bamba Dieng, who remains a free agent after leaving Lorient in the summer.

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the future of the Senegal international, who had a very productive campaign in Ligue 1 last season, scoring ten goals in 22 games.

A host of clubs across the world have been linked with Dieng, with reports at the end of July claiming that Middlesbrough and Hull were among his admirers, and it was also claimed that the player was prioritising a move to England.

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Middlesbrough told of the risks that would come with Bamba Dieng deal

Given his pedigree, with Dieng having impressed at times with Marseille earlier in his career, many would see him as a smart addition for a Championship side on a free.

Yet, when asked by FLW about whether Boro should push to bring the 26-year-old to Teesside, Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day explained why he thinks there are a few red flags, which is why the club should look at alternatives.

“Whilst his record looks quite good, there’s a reason why he has not been signed by a club at the start of the season - the wages he is asking for must be massive.

“I haven’t really seen him play, so I don’t know what type of player he is, but it’s an interesting one that Championship clubs seem to be passing up on him when you see his record in what is considered to be a top league in Ligue 1.

“So, there must be something wrong with what he’s asking for. You’ve also got to consider that he has not really had a pre-season, there will be bedding in time, and I’m sure he will want a big wage.

“This is one Boro should probably keep avoiding, and see if we can get a loan if we do want another striker.”

Bamba Dieng could add different qualities to Middlesbrough’s attack

Those concerns are valid, especially under Kim Hellberg, because we know the manager places great emphasis on fitness, as he wants a side that are relentless, and his forwards lead the press from the front.

So, if Dieng does take time to get up to speed, it would be frustrating, and Boro could benefit from looking elsewhere.

Despite that, there’s no denying Dieng has good qualities, and his pace and willingness to run in behind means he has attributes that Middlesbrough are currently lacking.

As outlined above, though, it’s difficult to speculate on whether a deal would be worthwhile without knowing Dieng’s demands, but many would agree that the fact he remains without a club suggests he is asking for a lot.

Middlesbrough should try to get in a new attacker to ease Will Lankshear pressure

Everyone knows that scoring goals was Middlesbrough’s problem last season, and if they had bought a clinical striker in January, there’s every chance they would be in the Premier League right now.

Obviously, that didn’t happen, but, to their credit, Boro have had a fantastic summer window so far, and they addressed their number nine issue with the signing of Will Lankshear for big money.

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There will be confidence that he could be the missing piece of the jigsaw in the final third, but Boro could still do with another option to help the ex-Spurs youngster.

Firstly, Lankshear remains somewhat unproven, as whilst he did well at Oxford last season, he has struggled in other loan spells.

Of course, most expect him to do well, and the quality is there, but another concern would be what would happen if he picked up an injury, as it would leave Boro in the same situation as last season, as Kyle Joseph isn’t prolific either.

So, it doesn't have to be Dieng, but Boro could still benefit from one more attacker, even if the great work they’ve done in the market should already be enough to have the team in contention for automatic promotion.