Modou Diagne Valere GermainGetty

Diagne reveals English interest as Senegalese star chases Premier League dream

Modou Diagne is hoping to become the next Senegalese star in the Premier League, as the Nancy defender says he has attracted interest from England.

The 24-year-old is currently turning out in the French second tier, but is setting his sights much higher than the stage he occupies at present.

He has drawn admiring glances from afar in the past, with Stoke, Reading and Middlesbrough among those to have monitored his progress.

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None of those sides are currently top-flight outfits, though, and that is where Diagne is setting his sights.

Having seen a number of fellow countrymen, such as El Hadji Diouf and Sadio Mane, enjoy success in the Premier League, an ambitious performer is dreaming of following in their footsteps.

Diagne told Goal of approaches during the most recent transfer window: “English clubs? There have been approaches.

“England has always been a dream destination for me. Football there suits me well considering my features and the physical nature of the English game.

“A lot of Senegalese players have succeeded there.”

Modou Diagne Marco Verratti

Interest from England has so far come to nothing, while Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse have also been shunned by Nancy.

That is because the struggling side are hoping to talk a prized asset into committing to an extension which will keep him at the club beyond next summer.

"Yes, Toulouse approached me this summer,” Diagne added.

“There have been talks between clubs, it didn't work out. It's football.

“There have been other clubs. Foreign clubs. It's a bit complicated. The club [Nancy] is very demanding and the team needs me this year.”

Diagne has been with Nancy since joining their academy system in 2007.

He has graced Ligue 1 during his time as a senior star, but has seen the club hit hard times in recent years as they have slipped down the standings in France.

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