Leeds United's dream target to replace Pascal Struijk has £68.9m release clause

Leeds United are still yet to replace Pascal Struijk.

With one year left on his contract at Elland Road, Struijk was sold to Brighton for £18million.

While that represents pure transfer profit, there weren't too many happy fans in LS11 after that was confirmed.

Daniel Farke is yet to find his replacement either, with Harry Wilson remaining the only signing of the summer so far.

Struijk was a key component of Leeds' change in formation last season, and the Whites lacked depth even before his exit.

But, as they look to climb the Premier League again, the 49ers Enterprises may need to spend money never seen at Elland Road.

Who could replace Pascal Struijk?

As always, there are several names that have been linked with Leeds.

With pre-season starting next week, Farke will want his squad put together quickly as they head into another Premier League campaign.

The Daily Mail has now reported that Leeds' ideal target in defence would be Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande.

It's said that the Ivorian international has a release clause of £68.9m, which would smash all records in LS11.

Parma defender Mariano Troilo and Nico Elvedi are two of the other names linked with Leeds, likely much cheaper too.

What do Leeds think about Ousmane Diomande's clause?

A release clause doesn't mean that you have to pay that, there is always negotiating to be done.

Leeds will know that, and there's zero chance they would be paying almost £70m for one player, they aren't in a position to do that.

Leeds were said to be ready to pay around £43m for Diomande, which would still smash their own record.

Despite the Daily Mail stating that the Whites are happy with where they are, there is plenty of work to be done.

A new left-back is needed alongside one, if not two central options, with a goalkeeper and striker also on the list.

Thankfully, interest in Diomande proves that Leeds are taking their hunt very seriously.

To go to that next level in the Premier League, you have to spend big money to earn even more down the line.

If Diomande signed for a record fee and impressed, he would no doubt go for much more down the line.

Struijk would be less than a distant memory if the Ivorian did sign, but we're a long way from that becoming reality at this moment.