Leeds United transfer target Habib Diarra has vowed to give "everything for the cause" after joining their Premier League rivals Sunderland.
The Whites expressed an interest in the midfielder earlier in the summer transfer window, seeing a £22m bid turned down for the 21-year-old. In truth, it was a deal that Elland Road recruitment chiefs were never overly confident of getting over the line.
And it emerged over the weekend that the Black Cats had entered the race to sign the Senegalese international. The 21-year-old has now joined Sunderland from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on a five-year deal for a club-record transfer fee believed to be in the region of £30m.
"I'm happy and excited to become a Black Cat and I can't wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans," said Diarra, who made 31 appearances for Strasbourg last term, scoring five times and registering four assists. "Everyone saw last season's success and I guarantee that I'll give everything for this team and fight for these colours in the Premier League.
"I'm ready for this challenge and I can't wait to get started."
Diarra is Sunderland's second summer signing as they look to strengthen Regis Le Bris' squad ready for their top flight return. Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Habib is an exciting talent, and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC.
"At 21, he already has more than 100 senior appearances on his resume, and he's been a captain in one of Europe's elite leagues. This underlines his undoubted quality and immense potential, and it reflects our progress and ambition that we have secured a player of his calibre.
"Like Sunderland, Habib is ready for the Premier League, and we look forward to taking this exciting step with him."
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