29 August

Rangers are reportedly weighing up a move for Senegalese international defender Souleymane Diawara, writes Martin Greig. The 27-year-old, who plays for French Ligue 1 side Sochaux, is also attracting interest from Premiership side Charlton and was previously a target for Newcastle United and Portsmouth.

Sochaux have put a £4m price tag on Diawara's head, but the unsettled defender is unhappy about the size of that fee. He has cited his four years of service to the club and spoken of his ambition to test himself "at a new level", in a bid to negotiate his exit. Sources in France confirmed last night that he may now be available for around half of the £4m fee.

The Senegalese internationalist - who was linked with Rangers last year - would provide a solution to Paul Le Guen's defensive problems, evident once again in the 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock on Sunday. He would provide competition for Julien Rodriguez and Karl Svensson, in particular, who has struggled to adapt to Scottish football. Source - The Herald

28 March 2006

Sochaux centre back Souleymane Diawara is once again being linked with a move to England.

The talented defender was close to joining Portsmouth or Newcastle United in the winter but his involvement in the African Cup of Nations put paid to their interest.

The Senegal international has now alerted Tottenham with his form, according to reports in France, but he has also been linked with Everton and Rangers.

There would also be competition from France's Ligue 1 if Les Lionceaux can be persuaded to sell with Marseille and Paris Saint Germain known admirers of the 27-year-old.

Sources close to Diawara have confirmed that there is a strong possibility he could be bound for The Premiership at the end of the season.

French magazine France Football also claims that Fenerbahce's Nicolas Anelka could emerge as a summer target for Spurs if coach Martin Jol decides he wants to add another striker to his armoury.

Jol admitted he was considering bringing a new forward to club in January before deciding to stick with Robbie Keane, Mido and Jermain Defoe as his three options. Source - Sky Sports

22 December 2005

Basile Boli's brother last night insisted he is willing to persuade Souleymane Diawara to choose Rangers over Arsenal.

The Senegal defender has been linked with a £2 million January move to Ibrox by respected sports paper France Football.

Agent Roger Boli told Record Sport he is still awaiting confirmation of Alex McLeish's interest in the 26-year-old.

He insists Newcastle,Spurs and Arsenal are all chasing his client's signature but Boli wants the Sochaux player to follow in the footsteps of his own sibling by signing for Scotland's champions.

The former Dundee United striker said: "Diawara is an excellent player and I would love to see him at Rangers.

"I have not spoken with Alex McLeish about the player. Many clubs in England are interested in him but I would prefer him to go to Glasgow.

"Rangers are my favourite club because my brother played for them and if I could bring them a player such as Diawara it would make me very happy.

If Rangers want him I will do everything to make it happen. Source - Daily Record