Ivory Coast international Oumar Diakité has emerged as one of the sought-after forwards in the current transfer window, with Belgian side Cercle Brugge and English Championship club Lincoln City competing for his signature.
Diakité, 22, is attracting attention after a productive loan spell at Cercle Brugge last season, where he impressed with his performances in the Belgian top flight.
The striker is keen on returning to Belgium, while Cercle Brugge are working to make his stay permanent.
The Bruges-based club has reportedly submitted an offer worth €2.3m to French club Stade de Reims, who still own the player’s contract.
Reims are believed to be open to a possible departure despite Diakité remaining tied to the club until June 2028.
The Ivorian forward’s situation has attracted further interest from England, with Lincoln City also entering the race.
According to reports, the Championship club has presented a higher proposal of €3m as they look to secure his services.
The competition now leaves Diakité with a major career decision as he weighs his next step.
Cercle Brugge are hoping his positive experience in Belgium will convince him to return, while Lincoln City are looking to offer him a new challenge in English football.
For Stade de Reims, the transfer negotiations provide an opportunity to benefit financially from a player who has continued to increase his value.
Diakité is currently valued at €5m by Transfermarkt and remains one of Ivory Coast’s promising attacking talents.
The striker’s rise has been closely followed in Africa after he developed into a regular international player for the Elephants. His performances at club level have strengthened his reputation as a forward capable of competing in European football.
During his loan spell at Cercle Brugge, Diakité made 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.
Those numbers helped attract attention from clubs looking for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season.
The Bingerville-born forward’s future is now expected to be decided soon, with both Cercle Brugge and Lincoln City hoping to reach an agreement with Reims.
