Antoine Kombouaré, the boss of Ligue 1 club Nantes, has admitted that the possibility of his side bringing Sheffield United striker Benie Traore back to France this summer remains “open” – despite claiming that the Blades are being “greedy” over a potential deal. Traore arrived at Bramall Lane last summer in a £4m deal from Hacken but failed to make an impression in the Premier League and was loaned to France after Chris Wilder’s return.
His time in France was not successful either, with just one assist in 14 Ligue 1 appearances, but he impressed Nantes with his speed and dribbling ability from a wider position and the French side are keen to bring him back to Estadio de la Beaujoire this summer. Traore reported back for pre-season with United this week in the absence of a transfer agreement but remains in contact with Nantes, Kombouaré revealed.
In addition to postponing any major incoming transfer activity, Kombouaré has stated that his team’s attempts to bring the 21-year-old Ivorian back to France are being hampered by United’s ongoing takeover attempt, which is nearing its conclusion.
During a press conference earlier this week, Kombouaré stated: “We maintain communication with him, his group, and his club.” Today, things are stuck because Sheffield is too greedy. There is another problem, which is that the club is being bought out… they are no longer the same people so it is taking a little longer. It remains open.”
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