Marseille president Pablo Longoria has indicated in his press conference at the club’s training ground yesterday afternoon that the intention was to initiate contract extension talks with striker Bamba Dieng.

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The Senegalese striker was at the heart of deadline-day drama this summer, having looked set to join Premier League side Leeds, who had beaten Lorient with a €10m offer. However, just as Dieng was set to fly out to England, Nice then came in with a last-ditch €12m bid. He then quickly agreed personal terms with Les Aiglons, before going on to fail his medical with the club.

Despite starting the season out of favour with manager Igor Tudor, the forward has ostensibly bounced back – he has one goal in six appearances so far. Longoria has explained that the club is “very happy” with Dieng, and that he has impressed in training as well as in his humility following the ordeal.

“We want to discuss a contract extension in the next few weeks. We believe he will be an important player in OM’s future.”