Leeds United have submitted a £24m offer to sign a midfielder who’s been likened to Brenden Aaronson, according to a new update.
Leeds pushing for more signings after Bijol
After landing Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, the 49ers Enterprises made their first major marquee signing of the summer ahead of their Premier League return with Jaka Bijol joining from Udinese.
At a cost of £15m, the Slovenia international has penned a five-year deal at Elland Road and was finally announced as a Leeds player on Monday.
Talking to Leeds’ official media, the centre-back said: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.
“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League. I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”
Leeds vs Everton
August 18
Arsenal vs Leeds
August 23
Leeds vs Newcastle
August 30
Fulham vs Leeds
September 13
Wolves vs Leeds
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With Leeds looking to improve the spine of their team with additions in goal, in midfield and in attack after Bijol, the 49ers still have plenty of work to do.
In regards to a midfield signing, Leeds’ top target, albeit ambitious, is for Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra. The Whites made an opening €26m (£22m) offer to sign the Senegal international earlier this month, which was rejected, and a new update has now emerged.
Nmecha upgrade: Leeds make contact to sign a star who "bullied" Van Dijk
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1 ByDan Emery Leeds make £24m offer to sign Diarra
According to a report from Africa Foot, Leeds have now improved their offer to sign Diarra, with a second proposal worth €28m (£24m).
A three-year contract is also said to be on the table at Elland Road for the versatile star, who can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder.
The 21-year-old prefers a move to the Premier League, according to Africa Foot, but Leeds could be rivalled by Everton who have also expressed an interest in Diarra’s services.
The 49ers look desperate to get a move done for Diarra, though, with the report adding that Leeds ‘intends to accelerate discussions to finalise the transfer’.
Already Strasbourg’s captain, Diarra contributed to nine goals in 33 games last season for the Ligue 1 side under Liam Rosenior, and he also scored against England at the City Ground.
Nico Gonzalez
Man City
Brenden Aaronson
Leeds
Daichi Kamada
Crystal Palace
Saul Niguez
Sevilla
Weston McKennie
Juventus
As can be seen, Diarra has been compared to a range of midfielders, including Leeds’ attacking ace Aaronson and former loanee Weston McKennie.
The Whites will be hoping that if Diarra does move to Yorkshire, he’ll have a greater impact than both USA internationals, and a move is one to keep an eye on once more following this latest claim.