Marc Roca’s manager once said new Leeds target could become the next Santi Cazorla

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Leeds United reportedly want to elbow some Saudi Arabian clubs aside to land West Brom winger Grady Diangana – and he is a player that current Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini once claimed could emulate Santi Cazorla.

West Brom need to sell players in order to buy and 25-year-old Diangana is one of the club’s biggest earners. The Express & Star claims Leeds are among the clubs interested in the ex-West Ham star. West Brom want a fee of £7m.

He broke through under Pellegrini at West Ham during the 2018-19 season and was looking good, a talent for the future. Loaned to West Brom, he helped Slaven Bilic’s side win promotion in 2019-20. He joined them permanently.

A move that angered West Ham fans – given he was a Hammers product, a player with huge potential and his eye-catching Baggies form in 19-20. But, it has gone downhill. Bought for £18m, West Brom are set for an £11m loss.

There is clearly a player there, but he needs the right home to excel. Perhaps, that is Leeds. During the year he broke in at West Ham, Pellegrini was a big fan. He said the winger could become the next Cazorla, an Arsenal icon.

“When I arrived at Villarreal I was very impressed with Santi Cazorla,” Pellegrini told the Standard in 2018. “When I saw him – he has, maybe not exactly the same as Diangana – but a technical player with a good view of the pitch.

“A player with good solutions when they receive the ball. When you see a player who is 20, you cannot say if he will be a good player or a bad player, he has conditions. The development of his career depends on the desire he has.”

Leeds want £7m Diangana: Pellegrini claimed he could emulate Cazorla

So, should Leeds bite the bullet and sign Diangana? Leeds have numerous options out wide and if the club do move for Diangana, then they will need to sell. Jack Harrison and Willy Gnonto are more than likely to leave Elland Road.

There is still a month to go and Daniel Farke even said on the day he arrived that the squad that plays this weekend will be different to the one that goes into September. Players will go, and others will arrive in the coming weeks.

Harrison, Gnonto and Helder Costa will surely go. Three of our seven wingers. Luis Sinisterra might, as could Cree Summerville. But unless at least three of our seven wingers leave, then there is no point looking at signing Diangana.