Leeds United are reportedly among a host of clubs interested in signing a 21-year-old midfielder on a free transfer this summer.
The Whites are said to be battling alongside Leicester City, Burnley, Hull City, Chievo Verona and various other clubs across Europe for his signature.
Midfield is an area that is in need of strengthening at Elland Road and Daniel Farke admitted after the 4-1 win over Hannover that he is keen to bring bodies in.
FC Koln’s Dejan Ljubicic has emerged as Leeds’ number one target this week, having seen a £3.3 million offer turned down by the Bundesliga side.
Leeds are expected to return with a fresh bid this weekend, though Koln are keen to stave off interest from elsewhere by offering him a new contract.
Leeds interested in free agent Brahima Diarra
With Koln so far yet to show any sign they would be open to letting Ljubicic go, Leeds will have to ensure other irons are in the fire.
Concentrating on just one player could mean Leeds miss out on other potential targets but according to Foot Mercato, the Whites are now looking at someone else.
Free agent midfielder Brahima Diarra is the man Leeds are said to have an interest in, but are far from the only club to keeping a watchful eye on his situation.
Diarra was most recently at Huddersfield Town but opted against signing a new deal at the John Smith’s Stadium, and so was reportedly frozen out towards the end of the season as they were relegated, as per Sudinfo.
He is currently away with Mali’s U23s at the Olympics and it has been reported he will not be making a decision on his future until the tournament is over.
The report also states that Diarra will be making a ‘sporting choice’ on his next destination, which would suggest he will be prioritising who can offer him the most game time.
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Who is Leeds target Brahima Diarra?
Diarra is just 21-years-old but already has over 40 appearances under his belt at Championship level from his time at Huddersfield.
He also had a loan spell at Harrogate Town earlier in his career in which he was described as a ‘top player‘ after scoring his first professional goal.
Leeds are very much in the market for someone of the box-to-box type, which is exactly the type of midfielder Diarra is.
However, if they are to win the race for his signature, they will have to beat off a lot of competition.
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