Mali hope to tempt uncapped French stars Ibrahima Konate and Moussa Dembele to switch allegiance after poaching Doucoure
MALI are reportedly hoping to tempt Liverpool’s French star Ibrahima Konate into switching his international allegiance.
And the Afcon last-16 side are also targeting Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.
That’s after successfully convincing Everton ace Abdoulaye Doucoure to abandon his dream of playing for France.
claims Mali boss Mohamed Magassouba is ready to shake things up after a disappointing Afcon campaign.
The West African nation crashed out in the last 16 on penalties to Equatorial Guinea.
That’s despite boasting several top stars including RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Southampton’s Moussa Djenepo.
But Magassouba has been given a boost in his hunt for more big names after 29-year-old Everton midfielder Doucoure, capped just once by France’s Under-21s, pledged his allegiance to Mali.
Magassouba will now turn his attention to Konate, who has impressed at Liverpool since his £36million summer move from RB Leipzig.
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He has won 13 caps for France’s U21s and, at the age of 22, he still has a great chance of making his senior debut.
However, Mali now hope to pull off a major coup by getting Konate to sign up for them instead.
Magassouba is also keen for more firepower, and he wants Lyon striker Dembele, 25, on board.
He scored 13 times in 25 France U21 matches, and could be easier to convince than the younger Konate.
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