The likelihood is that this transfer window will see many of Leeds United’s targets be rivalled by relegation candidates.
Sunderland and Burnley will be the two main threats to Leeds’ plans this summer as the 49ers hope to complete a £150m transfer masterplan.
It’s unlikely Leeds’ fellow promoted clubs will match their spending, with the Whites appearing as favourites to stay up out of the new teams.
Despite this, the Mackams are causing issues with Leeds’ targets as Sunderland are challenging for Mahdi Camara.
Now, it’s become apparent this isn’t the only target, and The Black Cats might have just taken the lead in a major race.
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Sunderland stun Leeds United as £35m bid for Habib Diarra is being prepped
A main target for Leeds this summer is Habib Diarra, who is hoping to follow Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha’s signings.
Diarra is in negotiations with Leeds, as it seemed like Daniel Farke is hoping to get this deal done swiftly, with other competition.
This competition includes the likes of Atletico Madrid, who have sought out the Senegalese midfielder.
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But now, it appears as though Sunderland are the biggest threat to the Whites not completing this transfer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Sunderland are making a surprise late move for Diarra as, incredibly, Regis Le Bris’ side are looking to bid with a package worth up to £35 million.
The plan is for Diarra to be the potential replacement for Jobe Bellingham.
Sunderland have surprisingly come into the race, and Diarra may be cleared to speak to them, with Leeds offering less than the £35m quoted.
It’s said that Diarra is in Africa, but is being lined up for a medical on Wearside once the final figures are agreed on the transfer fee, in a major loss to the Whites.
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Now is the time for the 49ers to show true Leeds ambition with Diarra
£35m for Diarra is certainly a shock to the system for Leeds.
It’s been said that Leeds bid just under £24m for the midfielder, and supposedly Diarra’s move to Elland Road was ‘imminent’.
Now, with a medical seemingly in place for Diarra to link up with Le Bris, the 49ers have to show their true ambition for a player who could revolutionise Farke’s squad.
Although the 49ers would only spend £30m on priority positions, they might have to now break this strategy to fend off Sunderland, as Diarra joining Leeds has remarkably been put into doubt.