Leeds United have \u00a369m World Cup star ‘top of their list’ to rival Wales man<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The move could have a knock-on effect on Joe RodonIvory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande is reportedly at the top of Leeds United’s wishlist this summer – in a move that could have a huge impact on Wales international Joe Rodon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 22-year-old is currently on the books with Portuguese giants Sporting, where he’s emerged as a key player in the Primeira Liga, twice helping them to a domestic league trophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having won 14 caps for his country, he is also currently part of their World Cup squad and was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Ecuador.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leeds United have recently been credited with an interest in the defender, who has a huge \u00a369m release clause at his current club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The general feeling at the moment is that Leeds would need Sporting to show a willingness to drop below that valuation if they are to seal a move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Mick Brown, a former scout at Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, claims Diomande is still at the top of Leeds\u2019 shopping list this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he says were the Ivorian to arrive at Elland Road, it could well have a big impact on Rodon, who has been a key figure under Daniel Farke and appeared in all but three Premier League games last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brown told Football Insider: “Diomande is exactly the type of player Leeds have to be looking at, and he is at the top of their list. When you look at their squad, they’re missing a real outstanding player who you think is going to take them to the next level.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s fair to say their best player over the last couple of years has been Joe Rodon, since he joined the club he has been excellent and been a big part of their success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But let\u2019s say he went somewhere else, would he improve a Premier League team and help them make that next step to qualify for Europe?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don’t think so, but by all accounts, Diomande is that type of player so if he was to come into this Leeds team, he could replace Rodon or any member of that backline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s something they have to do gradually, bring these big players in to displace the ones they’ve currently got who have served them well but won’t help them take the next step.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But while there could be some uncertainty on the horizon for Rodon, Leeds may well look to further strengthen their Welsh contingent this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daniel James and captain Ethan Ampadu are already on the books, while Karl Darlow has been offered a new deal after coming to the end of his current contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The club are, according to the bookies, very much in the race for out-of-contract winger Harry Wilson, although he has been offered fresh terms at Fulham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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