Istres want Bakari

Istres are in talks to sign former Tottenham Hotspur target Dagui Bakari from Lens.

Bakari rejected a move to White Hart Lane last summer when he was wanted by Spurs to provide short-term cover for their squad.

The 30-year-old, though, has endured a frustrating season with Lens and has made just six substitute appearances in Ligue 1.

He is now wanted by bottom club Istres, who are keen to strengthen their strike-force for the second half of the campaign.

Istres chairman Bertrand Benoit is believed to have spoken to his Lens counterpart Gervais Martel regarding a loan deal for Bakari.

Meanwhile, Istres coach Mecha Bazdarevic is fighting to save his job after guiding the team to just one win in 19 matches in Ligue 1 this term.

Reports suggest Bazdarevic is soon to be replaced with former Istres striker Xavier Gravelaine being appointed in tandem with Jean-Louis Gasset.