What Leeds United are saying privately after missing out on another player to Sunderland

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In the space of a week, Leeds United have been beaten to the punch by Sunderland once again to the signing of a midfielder – with The Black Cats agreeing a move for Noah Sadiki.

Leeds have made three signings this summer, confirming their third addition on Tuesday in Wolfsburg’s Sebastiaan Bornauw. But, Leeds might have had more through the door, had it not been for Sunderland.

Habib Diarra was the first Leeds target to move to Sunderland, with The Black Cats moving quickly over the weekend. Leeds had made a £22m bid for Diarra, but Sunderland stunned Leeds with a £35m deal.

Some reports suggest that Sunderland have then beaten Leeds to Reinildo Mandava on a free from Atletico Madrid. Leeds and Sunderland held talks for Mandava, as per reports, before Sunderland moved.

• READ MORE: Leeds are about to strike the best deal they possibly could all summer

Now, Sunderland have hijacked Leeds move for Noah Sadiki

Mandava is yet to be confirmed but it is widely expected he will be the next through the door at the Stadium of Light. Whether Leeds were genuinely interested in the Mozambique ace remains to be seen.

Then on Wednesday, Sunderland have pulled a second and possibly a third rabbit out of the hat, leaving Leeds in the dust. Leeds have been strongly linked with Union Saint-Gilloise’s title-winning Noah Sadiki.

Leeds are even thought to have made an £11m bid for Sadiki. However, Sunderland have moved quickly to strike a £17m deal for the 20-year-old and Graeme Bailey has given LeedsUnited.News the lowdown.

Bailey tells us that Leeds were interested and fighting side by side for Sadiki, even if The Whites may claim they weren’t: “For the second time this summer, Sunderland have beaten Leeds to the punch.

“From what I am told, Leeds have looked to downplay the fact they were in direct competition but they were very keen on both Diarra and Sadiki. Leeds, though, insist they will be judged at end of the summer.

“Not at the start, which is fair but these are huge moves from Sunderland and let’s not forget – this first season back, the two teams are going to be big rivals in the Premier League,” transfer expert Bailey said.

Sunderland could beat Leeds to another Ligue 1 player

Having beat Leeds to Diarra and look to have secured Mandava and Sadiki ahead of Adam Underwood and The 49ers, Sunderland are also vying to beat Leeds to the signing of Nantes forward Matthis Abline.

Abline, who scored for France’s U21 side at the European Championships this summer, netted nine goals in Ligue 1 last season for Nantes. French outlet Foot Mercato say Sunderland have made a £17m offer.

But Bailey has told us that Leeds have also held conversations for Abline: “We may not have seen the last battle between these two. Told both have had conversations about Matthis Abline. One to watch.”

There is no doubt that Leeds are in for a striker this summer, with The Whites strongly linked with Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz among others. It remains to be seen if Leeds can finally get one over Sunderland.