Lille's Bafode Diakite and Liverpool's Luis Diaz (right) battle for the ball during the UEFA _(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)_
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THE [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/) are in advanced talks to sign Lille's Bafode Diakite, according to reports.
Sky Sports' Mark McAdam has reported that Bournemouth are in negotiations with the French club over the centre back, with a 'sizable' deal being discussed.
The Frenchman could become the second highest purchase made by the Cherries in history, McAdam said.
The Cherries are in the market for at least one centre back, after Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid at the conclusion of the season, as the Spanish giants triggered his release clause.
Talks are ongoing between the Cherries and PSG over a potential move for Illia Zabarnyi, although the Daily Echo understands the club is getting increasingly frustrated at the time the deal is taking to be completed, with the French club not yet meeting Bournemouth's valuation of the Ukrainian.
As reported, the Cherries have had a known interest in Diakite throughout this summer, although interest had cooled.
But now it appears talks between Cherries and Lille have progressed, with the club pushing to sign a replacement for Huijsen, and potentially Zabarnyi, should he depart this summer.
Diakité is under contract at Lille until 2027, and has played 112 times for the club, scoring 13 goals.