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Blackburn Rovers are ‘negotiating’ with FC Lorient over a move for striker Ibrahima Koné, who looks likely to leave the French club this summer.

That’s according to L’Equipe, who say Blackburn and Almeria have both ‘set their sights’ on the imposing forward.

The newspaper explains that Blackburn have been interested in the Malian striker, who stands at an impressive 1.9m metres or 6’2″, have been interested for several months.

Almeria, on the other hand, have only been keen on a deal for the last few weeks as they gear up to sell El Bilal Toure and then sign a replacement.

Both clubs are negotiating with Lorient to buy the striker, who has three years remaining on his contract so will not be available on the cheap.

He’s coming off a season in which he managed seven goals in 37 appearances in Ligue 1, albeit only 15 starts, but Lorient are prepared to let him leave for the right price. They are expecting ‘at least €7-8m’ for the player if any deal is to happen.

Whether Blackburn are willing to pay that price remains to be seen but they are already negotiating with Lorient, which would suggest that they are open to the idea.