Leeds United are preparing to spend big this summer and that could see the £69m defender arrive for their new club record signing.
It would be a fitting reward for Daniel Farke, who put an end to doubt last season by taking the Yorkshire club to safety in their first season back in the top flight.
There were many question marks about the Germans at the start of the campaign. His career was in serious jeopardy at one point, but all it took was one system change to get the best out of this current side and Farke hasn't looked back since.
As for the 49ers, now it's about supporting their man. American owners are already looking at some key names, including the likes of Shea Charles.
The Southampton man is edging closer to the exit door and Leeds now have the green light to launch an offer if they meet Saints' £20m asking price.
The midfielder is not the only name on their radar, however. Alongside Charles, those at Elland Road have also stepped up their pursuit of a big-money defender.
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Leeds are learning about a huge offer for the Ivory Coast star
There can be no better way to celebrate Premier League safety than by breaking the transfer record. According to Portugal's A Bola, as reported by Sporting Witness, Leeds are now considering an 'unprecedented' offer to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP this summer.
The Whites have already launched their first approach to the defenders camp and are ready to test Sporting's decision with an offer worth €50m (£43m) plus add-ons.
Whether that is enough to tempt the Portuguese club into a deal remains to be seen, however. They can point to Diomande's release clause, which stands at €80m (£69m). Either way, Leeds will have to break their transfer record if they are to land the Ivory Coast star this summer.
|
Leeds United's most expensive signing ever |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level |
The player |
Money |
Signed from |
A year |
|
1 |
Georginio Rutter |
£35.5m |
Hoffenheim |
2023 |
|
2 |
Brendan Aaronson |
£28.5m |
RB Salzburg |
2022 |
|
3 |
Rodrigo |
£26m |
Valencia |
2020 |
|
4 |
Dan James |
£25m |
Man Utd |
2018 |
|
5 |
Luis Sinisterra |
£21m |
Feyenoord |
2022 |
It wasn't long ago that Diomande was in contention with the top clubs in English football, so he would be a statement signing if Leeds were able to lure him to Elland Road in the coming months.
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