Habib Diarra’s stock has never been higher as he wakes up on Wednesday morning having scored for Senegal in a win over England – just 24 hours after being linked with Leeds United.
The Strasbourg captain has just completed another excellent season, his third proper campaign in the senior team with Strasbourg after breaking into the side from the Ligue 1 club’s youth academy.
Under Liam Rosenior, 21-year-old skipper Diarra thrived. He almost helped deliver European football to a side that were largely expected to be fighting relegation, amid pre-season expectations of Strasbourg.
Not only has Diarra sparkled at club level, but he has done for country too – winning his 11th cap for his country on Tuesday night at the City Ground and scoring his fourth goal in four matches for Senegal.
On Monday, it was reported that Leeds Live share Diarra’s stance.
What Habib Diarra and his agents think about Leeds United move
Given his form in Ligue 1, the fact he is a captain at 21 and now his goal against England, a move to Leeds was always a touch ambitious. Well, Leeds Live make it clear just how ambitious a move for Diarra is.
Indeed, they say exactly what Diarra and his agents currently think about the player’s future. They believe Diarra is worthy of ing one of Europe’s elite clubs – which Leeds Live describe as a ‘stumbling block’.
Leeds will need to convince Diarra that he should The Whites, perhaps using Leeds as a spring board to go on to better and bigger things in due course. A couple of years in the Premier League can do that.
The other clubs interested and Strasbourg’s stance on Diarra
Leeds are not the only clubs interested in landing Diarra. Reports say that Everton and Brighton have been watching Diarra for months, and want to lure the Senegal midfielder to the Premier League.
Strasbourg meanwhile, are playing it carefully. It is claimed that Strasbourg are going to delay giving Leeds an answer when it comes to Diarra, in order to tempt other clubs into making an offer for him.
Leeds are trying to fight above their weight and that means, when a deal comes off, it will be stunning. Udinese’s Jaka Bijol looks likely at this stage and that is a signal of intent – Diarra, looks less likely.