Burnley have reportedly agreed a deal with Lens for the transfer of midfielder Andy Diouf (22), with the fee understood to be in the region of €18 million. The Premier League club has also made swift progress in personal terms negotiations with the player.
Although Diouf was previously reported to favour a move to Crystal Palace, the Eagles had not yet finalised terms with Lens, a delay that now appears likely to cost them the signing.
Discussions between Burnley and Diouf`s representatives are believed to be in their final stages, with only minor contract details remaining. Unless Crystal Palace can intervene with a last-minute offer that matches or exceeds Burnley`s, the newly-promoted side seems set to secure a significant signing before their Premier League campaign.
Since joining Lens from FC Basel last summer, Diouf has been a remarkably consistent player, notably being the only Lens player to appear in all 34 Ligue 1 fixtures during the past season.
The France U21 international is known for his powerful transitions and confidence carrying the ball through midfield. While still developing his effectiveness in the final third, Diouf has reportedly been monitored by Premier League sides for some time, even before his move to France, following his performances in Switzerland.
