CELTIC have seen an ambitious bid for French wonderkid Mahamadou Diawara knocked back by Lyon.
The champions wanted to take the teenage midfielder on loan for a season with the option of a £6.8million permanent deal.
Diawara made his Ligue 1 breakthrough last season after being released by Paris Sant-Germain with the Hoops’ Champions League rivals Borussia Dortmund also taking notice in his form upsurge.
Ironically, Brighton, too, were monitoring the 19-year-old ace before they landed Matt O’Riley earlier this week in the record deal that could rise to £30million.
FRENCH FANCY…Celtic have their eyes on Lyons’ Mahamadou Diawara.
Celtic made their move, but teports insist the French club have “made it clear they have no intention” of allowing Diawara to move, according to Foot Mercato.
The enterprising middle-of-the-park operator has just signed an extension to the four-year contract he agreed last summer after being allowed to leave the Paris giants on a free.
Diawara made 13 appearances for Lyon, including four starts in Ligue 1, as he kick-started his career away from the French capital.
Brendan Rodgers’ side could yet make a second offer for the three times-capped France Under-19 international to test the resolve of a club known to be short on funds with a price on practically every player.
Diawara’s team-mate Orel Mangala looks poised to join Everton today with Fiorentina reported to be lining up a late loan bid.
