Leeds United ready to go extreme and make history to sign Ousmane Diomande

Leeds United and Ousmane Diomande continue to be linked together ahead of the World Cup.

The Ivory Coast defender is preparing for the North American showpiece, with transfer rumours going into overdrive.

Leeds are said to be interested in the central defender, who is one of Europe's biggest talents right now.

Having shined under several managers in Portugal, including Ruben Amorim, he appears ready for his next move.

Paraag Marathe has promised higher quality signings this summer, and Diomande could kickstart that.

With doubts around the futures of Pascal Struijk and Sebastiaan Bornauw, a new defender appears high on the shortlist.

Leeds ready to break the bank for Ousmane Diomande

Not only would this be a high profile signing at Elland Road, it would break the bank, quite literally.

A Bola has reported on Wednesday that Leeds are ready to go to extreme lengths to sign Diomande, even breaking their transfer record.

It is said that the defender has a £69million release clause, but the Whites will bid below that.

Sporting want to keep hold of Diomande for next season, but Leeds are preparing a £43million bid to change their minds.

That is including £8.6m in possible add-ons.

Who is Leeds' record transfer?

That would currently be Georginio Rutter.

Leeds signed the French attacker from Hoffenheim for just below £35million, so this would be blown away.

Thankfully, Rutter's move to Brighton did represent a profit for Leeds and the 49ers, and that could easily happen with Diomande.

Just look at the likes of Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth, who aren't afraid to splash the cash, knowing that if that player has a good season in the Premier League, they will be sold on for immense profit.

Over £40million on one player, Diomande in this case, seems extreme given that Leeds are only entering their second year in the Premier League since promotion, but that ambition is needed.

If the Whites and 49ers want to kick on, signings like this need to be made, and it appears that they are going all out to make that happen with Diomande.

With the World Cup starting this week, it may not be a quick deal, but Leeds are looking to get ahead of the competition.

This could be a groundbreaking addition in LS11.