Hannover, Stoke in Diouf discussions

Hannover and Stoke have both confirmed they are in negotiations to send Senegalese forward Mame Biram Diouf to England.

Diouf joined Hannover in January 2012 after two-and-a-half frustrating seasons on Manchester United’s books, and has scored 27 goals and created 11 more from 51 games for the Bundesliga club but the 25-year-old striker is now pushing for a transfer.

Hannover’s sporting director Dirk Dufner confirmed on Friday Diouf’s agent Jim Solbakken has been in contact with Stoke City.

“I phoned Jim in the morning and he told me that he has met with Stoke,” Dufner told Bild.

Stoke’s chairman Peter Coates also confirmed Diouf is a transfer target as new manager Mark Hughes begins to put his stamp on the squad.

“He is one of the strikers we have registered an interest in,” Coates said.

Diouf joined Manchester United in July 2009 after an impressive stint with Norwegian club Molde but the striker only managed five appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson and scored one goal, instead spending more time on loan back in Norway and with Blackburn Rovers.

But Diouf kick-started his career in Germany and started his time at Hannover with a bang, scoring 10 goals in his first 15 games for the Bundesliga club.

While there have been reports Stoke have offered €8million for Diouf, Dufner has denied Hannover have received any official bids and remains confident they may be able to convince the powerful forward to stay in the north of Germany.

“I see the opportunities still not bad,” Dufner said.

“At the moment, Mame will not sign.

“It is not bad if he waits for the end of the transfer period (and) then signs just after 31 August.”