Millwall told to swoop for Norway-based striker by scout who discovered Erling Haaland

Sory Ibrahim Diarra is among the most exciting striking talents in Norway at the moment and should be on the list of both Premier League and Championship clubs.

That is according to former Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 26-year-old, who currently captains FK Haugesund at the top of the second tier of Norwegian football, has scored 25 goals in just 17 appearances this season.

Diarra's contract had been set to expire at the end of the year but he has agreed new terms until 2028, despite strong interest from clubs including Hajduk Split in Croatia.

The Mali international enjoyed strong stints in Romania until 2023, when he moved to Haugesund, exploding this season after strong previous campaigns in Eliteserien.

Championship and Premier League clubs may well be eyeing a move for Diarra, who could well be the next big striker to come out of Norway.

Sory Ibrahim Diarra recommendation carries merit

While the comparison to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland is a far-fetched one given Diarra's age, there is definitely a chance to be taken on him.

RB Salzburg were rewarded when they took Haaland from Norway, after other clubs had passed up the chance.

King knows all about that, having recommended the signing of the young striker to Everton, who made a damaging decision by turning him down.

Making the same decision in the case of Diarra would be risky. "There's another one here, and he's playing for a team called Haugesund, and they're currently top of the first division," King told Football Insider.

"This is the league to go into the so-called premier division here in Norway. And this one is Sory Ibrahim Diarra. Now, he's 26. He plays for Mali, and he scored 25 goals in 17 games. He's strong.

"I mean, he's a typical African centre-forward, you know what I mean? He gets a chance, he's got pace, and he can finish. He's currently playing in the first division here. They are top of the league, so they've got a good chance to go back in.

"But there are three clubs fighting for that position. There's Haugesund, there's Stabek, and there's Kongsvinger. Of course, Stabek were also an established premier league side before things went wrong and they come down the league.

"And the same with Haugesund. Haugesund were always in the premier league. An old friend of mine who I played with at Millwall, Dennis Burnett, was their coach many years ago in the end of the 70s, 80s.

"He's going back there as a guest to see a game and we were talking about this centre forward. He could be a player to look at for Millwall, really."

King added: "There are good players out there. And it's all right looking abroad and paying big money, but clubs used to build their resources looking at the smaller clubs in the smaller leagues, as you say. And I think if we're going to bring football back to any kind of normality, that's what's got to be started to look at."

The games behind Diarra's staggering numbers

Diarra's goal-scoring record this season is almost beyond belief to see written down.

In the season's opener, in April, the striker scored four goals and he would score in each of the next four games. In total, opening the season with nine goals in five games.

Diarra has already scored three league hattricks this season and eight braces, only failing to find the net in four of 17 league games.

Despite his clear appreciation for Haugesund, a big offer from England would undoubtedly give him a decision to make.