OGC Nice revive interest in free agent Bamba Dieng

OGC Nice have reopened talks over a possible move for Senegal striker Bamba Dieng, who remains without a club following his departure from FC Lorient.

The 26-year-old forward is attracting interest from several European sides as he searches for his next club, with Nice now ready to make another attempt to sign the former Olympique de Marseille player.

According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 club have reactivated their pursuit of Dieng, who had already been under consideration at the Allianz Riviera. The interest could develop further in the coming days as Nice assess whether they can reach an agreement with the Senegal international.

Nice may have an important advantage in their efforts. Olivier Pantaloni, who coached Dieng at FC Lorient and knows the striker well, is reportedly open to the possibility of working with him again on the French Riviera.

The financial terms could also make the move attractive to Nice because Dieng is available as a free agent. However, the club will need to act quickly and present a convincing proposal, with several European teams monitoring the situation.

Dieng has won 24 caps for Senegal and remains one of the more sought-after unattached forwards on the market. Hull City, who have recently been promoted to the Premier League, and Middlesbrough, who compete in the Championship, are also understood to be interested, as reported at the end of July.

That competition means the forward’s next destination remains uncertain with the summer transfer window approaching its conclusion. Interested clubs will need to offer a project capable of persuading Dieng to commit to them.

Dieng had also been linked with a move to Turkey in recent weeks, with Amedspor reportedly hoping to sign him. That transfer did not ultimately go ahead.

Africafoot reported exclusively that the Pikine-born striker decided not to travel after the circumstances surrounding the negotiations changed. The episode added further uncertainty over where he will continue his career.

For now, Dieng remains available and the number of potential suitors continues to grow. Nice, the English clubs and any new offers from elsewhere in Europe could all play a part in deciding the next stage of his career over the coming weeks.

Nice are due to begin their French league campaign against Lorient shortly, creating an intriguing backdrop to the renewed interest in Dieng, who left the club. The betting company 1xbet lists Nice as favourites for that match at odds of 2.15, with a draw priced at 3.45 and a Lorient victory at 3.20.