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According to a report by ESPN last month, Leeds United were interested in signing Kasimpasa striker Mbaye Diagne during the summer transfer window but failed to do so because of work permit issues, and they have surely now missed their chance to get him.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa was clearly keen to bring the 27-year-old to Elland Road to boost his attacking options in the summer, but ESPN said that the player was unable to move to England at the time.
ESPN reported that the Senegal international has since applied for a EU passport which he is eligible for from his time playing in Italy, meaning a move could be on the cards for the centre-forward either in January or next summer.
While Bielsa does have Kemar Roofe, Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts available up top, all three players have spent times on the sidelines this term through injury and it could still be area the experienced Argentine looks to strengthen in the New Year.
Could he get Diagne?
In truth, it appears as though the Yorkshire club have missed the boat on the prolific striker.
Diagne’s brace in his side’s 2-2 draw with Fenerbahce on Monday took his tally for the season to 16 goals in 14 Super Lig appearances, and he is currently averaging a goal every 79 minutes.
The 27-year-old now has 28 goals in his previous 30 outings for Kasimpasa, and Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet, via Sport Witness, report that Southampton scouted the player during his team’s latest draw, while another Premier League side in Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on a player worth at least €20m (£17.8m) to his current club.
Taking everything into account, a move to Leeds looks increasingly unlikely.
