Leeds United make first official move to seal Ousmane Diomande transfer

Leeds United appear to be going all in to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande this summer.

The Whites are yet to make a major first-team signing this summer, with the World Cup likely making things difficult.

Diomande is one of those in North America, with several targets likely playing on the biggest stage right now.

Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson, Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson are also there, representing Leeds and their countries.

In Diomande's case, Leeds' interest was well reported before the tournament started.

Ivory Coast got their World Cup off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Monday, but Diomande remained on the bench.

Leeds make their move to sign Ousmane Diomande

It has been well documented that it would take a record fee for Leeds and the 49ers to get their man.

A Bola has now reported on Wednesday that Leeds have made their official approach to Diomande, while he is at the World Cup.

The Portuguese outlet states that they are discussing the situation surrounding the defender, with an official bid to Sporting CP next on the agenda.

Leeds are willing to go above and beyond, with a total package up to £43.2million supposedly ready to go.

Of course, Sporting don't want to sell, but they may not be able to say no to that, given they only paid up to £10.8m to sign Diomande originally.

What is next for Leeds and Diomande?

There is no explanation as to how Leeds' approach to the player and his representatitves actually panned out.

Time will tell, but with the Premier League on offer to the Ivorian, an official bid could be following very soon.

Paraag Marathe has promised significant signings to improve Daniel Farke's first team this summer, and this would be exactly that.

With doubts around Pascal Struijk's future too, Leeds are moving early to not only upgrade their squad, but that specific position.

Diomande will, of course, be focusing on the World Cup and the Ivory Coast, but given he was unused on Monday, one eye may be on this transfer.

Leeds have made their move, and it could break history for them.