Leeds United identify Sporting Lisbon and Ivory Coast star Ousmane Diomande as 'top target'
Leeds United credited with interest in Sporting Lisbon and Ivory Coast star Ousmane Diomande
Leeds United have reportedly identified Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande as a top target for the summer transfer window.
It looks set to be an interesting summer for Leeds, who are keen to kick on after securing another season of Premier League football.
Fans will be eager to see the club show ambition in the transfer market and avoid the same mistakes they made during their last stint in the top flight.
Leeds have not yet made a foray into the transfer market - or even published their retained list - but the rumour mill is in overdrive.
Leeds United identify ‘top target’
According to TEAMtalk, Sporting Lisbon’s Diomande is a player Leeds hold a strong interest in.
A 14-cap Ivory Coast international, the centre-back made the move to Portugal from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland in 2023.
The 22-year-old has since amassed 132 appearances for Sporting, establishing himself as one of the most revered talents in Primeira Liga.
Not only is Diomande an imposing physical presence who is strong in duels, he is renowned for his ball-playing abilities.
It has been suggested talks over a potential move to Leeds are at an early stage and that Diomande has a desire to test himself at the top level. He is thought to be happy at Sporting, although the Premier League can often prove difficult to turn down.
Leeds United’s centre-back options
Centre-back was a priority last summer for Leeds, who struck deals to sign Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw from Udinese and Wolfsburg respectively. The pair joined Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in the central defender department.
Bijol, Rodon and Struijk formed Daniel Farke’s back three of choice last term, although doubt has been cast upon Struijk’s future at Elland Road. If the Dutchman departs, Leeds could be keen to plug the gap with a high-profile addition.