Leeds United have Ivory Coast's Ousmane Diomande 'top of their list', claims ex-Premier League scout

A former Premier League scout has claimed Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande sits top of leeds United’s transfer wishlist.

The 22-year-old, a centre-back by trade, currently plies his trade in Portugal’s top flight with Sporting Lisbon. He has established himself as a key figure for the Primeira Liga giants, with whom he has lifted the domestic league trophy twice.

Leeds have been credited with interest in the 14-cap Ivory Coast international, who is currently part of the African nation’s World Cup squad. He was an unused substitute during their 1-0 win over Ecuador yesterday (June 15).

Leeds United have defender ‘top of their list’

Mick Brown, a former scout for the likes of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, has claimed Diomande is top of Leeds’ target list.

He told Football Insider: "Diomande is exactly the type of player Leeds have to be looking at, and he is at the top of their list. When you look at their squad, they're missing a real outstanding player who you think is going to take them to the next level.

"It's fair to say their best player over the last couple of years has been Joe Rodon, since he joined the club he has been excellent and been a big part of their success.

"But let’s say he went somewhere else, would he improve a Premier League team and help them make that next step to qualify for Europe?

"I don't think so, but by all accounts, Diomande is that type of player so if he was to come into this Leeds team, he could replace Rodon or any member of that backline.

"It's something they have to do gradually, bring these big players in to displace the ones they've currently got who have served them well but won't help them take the next step."

Centre-back uncertainty

Diomande is not the only centre-back to have been linked with Leeds, who are seemingly keen on strengthening in the heart of defence.

They could potentially be assessing options as a contingency, with uncertainty continuing to surround Pascal Struijk.

The 26-year-old has spent the entirety of his senior career at Elland Road but is entering the final year of his contract.

Leeds have also been linked with outgoing Union Berlin man Diogo Leite and Parma’s Mariano Troilo.

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