Sam Wants Faye Stay

By Mark Heys
October 25 2005

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he would like to turn Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye's loan move at Bolton into a permanent deal after the Senegalese ace put a string of fine performances recently.

As reported earlier in the day the Wanderers are looking to strike up a deal with French club Lens for the services of the 27-year old who has made seven appearances so far during his time in England.

Allardyce is keen for the giant African to stay on and has praised the player for his work ethic during Sunday's late victory over West Bromwich Albion, a game in which Faye won the majority of headers and performed to a high standard in the holding midfield role just days after playing as a centre half against Besiktas in the UEFA Cup.

"We would be delighted to sign him, There is a clause in the agreement that allows us to make Abdoulaye's move permanent." said Allardyce earlier today

"He is showing that he can hack at this level. He was outstanding in Sunday's victory over West Bromwich Albion. From my point of view, he was our best player and is looking comfortable in the role just in front of the back four."

Only last season Faye was to suffer the disappointment of relegation from La Championnat with Istres but he has now found a new lease of life at Bolton and Allardyce is full of praise towards his scouting staff for unearthing another gem.

"He has shown great character to come from the depths of French football, where he suffered relegation with Istres last season, to now competing in the most physically demanding league in the world

"We had to rely on our scouts' reports to make sure he was the sort of player we would want to come to play in the Premiership.

"I'm glad to say he looks very comfortable, he's starting to make a big contribution for us."