Ndoye linked with shock French return

CHEIKH Ndoye has been linked with a shock Birmingham City exit just six months after joining the club from Angers.

Reputable French newspaper L’Equipe suggested the midfielder is attracting interest from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg while Angers are also keen to take him back to France.

Ndoye has made 25 appearances for Blues – 20 of those being Championship starts – and has been regularly selected by current boss Steve Cotterill.

Cotterill praised the 31-year-old’s display after stepping off the bench in the 1-1 draw at Preston North End on Saturday. He said: “I thought Cheikh Ndoye in there was tremendous so we didn’t actually miss Craig (Gardner) but it will be good to have him back.”

It’s unlikely that either French club would be able to match Ndoye’s wages at St Andrew’s.

Both Strasbourg and Angers are reportedly interested in signing Ndoye on loan until the end of the season.

The Senegal international is hoping to be part of former Blues man Aliou Cisse’s World Cup squad this summer and needs to be playing regularly to guarantee selection.

Meanwhile, summer transfer target Lois Diony is on the verge of joining Championship rivals Bristol City this window. The striker revealed as much via his Instagram account, after his spell at Saint Etienne proved unsuccessful.

Diony hasn’t scored a league goal since moving last summer to Saint Etienne from Djion, where he was being chased by Blues. Via social media, Diony revealed an agreement to join the Robins, who are chasing promotion to the Premier League.

Diony said: “I’m very happy to join Bristol City for this new adventure, see you soon and sorry for my English, it’s not very good ahah.”