Burnley close in on Lens midfielder Andy Diouf | OneFootball

According to a report from L’Équipe, Burnley have reached an agreement with Lens to sign midfielder Andy Diouf (22) for a fee believed to be around €18m, and have made rapid progress in talks with the player himself. While Diouf had previously shown a preference for joining Crystal Palace, the Eagles were yet to agree terms with Lens – a delay that may now prove costly. Last night RMC Sport reported that Burnley FC has reached an agreement in principle with Lens.

Discussions between Burnley and Diouf’s representatives are now at an advanced stage, with only minor contractual details left to finalise. Unless Palace can mount a late comeback, the Clarets appear poised to complete a statement signing ahead of their Premier League return.

Diouf, has been a consistent performer for Lens since arriving from FC Basel last summer. He was the only player to feature in all 34 Ligue 1 matches last season. Powerful in transition and confident carrying the ball through the middle, the France U21 international is still refining his output in the final third but has reportedly long been on the radar of Premier League clubs – dating back to his emergence in Switzerland.GFFN | George Boxall