Was it the work of marabouts?

This was the question on everyone's lips when news emerged that legendary footballer Biri Biri’s son, Yusupha Njie will not be joining French Ligue 1 team, Stade de Reims after negotiations fell apart with his Portuguese team, Boavista.

The 24-year-old, one of Gambia's most promising Europe-based footballers, is now back in Portugal to resume training.

He was originally due to be confirmed as Reims' latest signing for the summer after undergoing a medical, but the deal was suddenly cancelled.

Media reports suggested that the French club wanted to sign Yusupha for three years, but the clubs could not agree on a transfer fee. Boavista wanted €3m and Reims was not ready to offer more than €2.5m.

Yusupha, who started his professional football career with Real de Banjul, was signed by Boavista last year on loan from Morocco’s FUS Rabat.