Having got Jaka Bijol in the building and over the line, Leeds United fans are eagerly waiting to hear what the club will do next in the transfer window, with an influx of signings expected.
Leeds have sorted the need for a new central defender out with the addition of one of Europe’s best centre-backs aerially, in 63-time Slovenia star Bijol. The Whites have also signed striker Lukas Nmecha.
But plenty of priorities remain. A new goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier in talks to move to Turkey. A new left-back, with Junior Firpo off to Betis. Leeds also need a midfielder, a winger, a no.10 and a starting striker.
A new central midfielder will be of utmost importance. Leeds have lost Josuha Guilavogui and also Joe Rothwell, leaving Daniel Farke’s men with just three options – Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty ImagesLeeds table new bid to sign Habib Diarra after initial offer
Earlier this month, Leeds tabled a £22m bid for Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra. The impressive 21-year-old is a target for numerous Premier League clubs, including Angus Kinnear’s Everton and Brighton, too.
Strasbourg had delayed a reply in order to tempt other clubs into making bigger offers, but nothing appears to have materialised for the Strasbourg skipper. Liam Rosenior described Diarra as “magnificent”.
Reports said Leeds would have to improve their bid to £25m for Diarra. But now, Africa Foot say Leeds have indeed gone back in with a second offer, but it is worth £23.9m. The ball is in Strasbourg’s court.
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesWhat Diarra thinks about a move to Leeds United or elsewhere
Strasbourg president Marc Keller has already opened the door to Diarra’s exit. He says that when the midfielder signed an extension, a gentleman’s agreement was made that by 2025, he could leave.
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But only, if it meets Strasbourg’s asking price and terms. Diarra and his representatives are deemed somewhat ambitious, they think he is worthy of an elite club and that means, one in Europe next term.
Whether Leeds meets those criteria remains to be seen. But Leeds are certainly doing everything they can to do a deal for Diarra, tabling a second offer – even if it remains just over £1m below Diarra’s price tag.