Blues and Brighton joined by Lille in Lois Diony chase

As Birmingham City look set to ramp up their efforts to bring players in ahead of the return to preseason training a week on Monday, French radio station RMC are tonight reporting that Ligue One side Lille have joined the race for Dijon striker Lois Diony.

It has been reported over the last two weeks that Blues have been heavily interested in bringing the French hotshot to the Championship but last week it looked like they were about to be pipped to the signing of him.

Former Blues boss Chris Hughton, who is now in charge at Premier League side Brighton, is also believed to be interested in the striker and with Saint-Etienne also rumoured to be interested, Blues could well see themselves priced out of yet another deal.

Sources close to Vital Birmingham have told us that the interest in Diony is genuine, although a move for Henry Onyekuru is the likelier of the two at this stage.

The fee that Dijon want for the forward is believed to be in the region of £9 million, which would make him Blues’ record transfer.

As this one develops, we will continue to update you.

Blues fans, do you feel as though this is the season for the club to break their transfer record on somebody like Lois Diony? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below!