Leeds United have been linked with Ousmane Diomande by the English media in recent days, and the story is now receiving backing from Portugal.
Newspaper O Jogo reports that Leeds are among the clubs who have made approaches to the defender’s representatives as they explore a possible move for the Sporting centre-back this summer.
According to the report, Chelsea and Bournemouth are also actively interested in the Ivory Coast international. But Leeds appear to be the main suitors for now.
Sporting appear to have changed their stance
The most important detail in O Jogo’s report concerns Sporting’s valuation. Over recent months, several Portuguese reports have suggested the Lisbon club could be open to negotiating below Diomande’s €80m (£69m) release clause.
Figures between €40m (£34m) and €60m (£52m) have repeatedly been mentioned in Portugal as realistic discussion points.
This latest update paints a different picture. O Jogo state that Sporting president Frederico Varandas would only consider selling the defender if an offer arrives very close to the €80m (£69m) clause.
Whether that represents a firm position or simply a negotiating stance remains to be seen. However, it is notably stronger language than has appeared in previous reports.
Leeds facing a growing obstacle
For Leeds, that could be problematic. Daniel Farke’s side have been credited with interest in Diomande as they look for a centre-back capable of immediately raising the level of their back line.
Yet if Sporting are now effectively pushing discussions towards release-clause territory, the deal becomes considerably more difficult.
Of course, Chelsea continue to be linked with the defender and have been looking closely at centre-back options as they plan for the future. Bournemouth are also in the race and can offer European football next season.
World Cup adds another complication
Diomande is currently with Ivory Coast at the World Cup in the United States. He remained on the bench for his country’s opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador. Sporting will still be hoping the tournament increases attention around one of their most valuable assets.
From Leeds’ perspective, time may not be an ally. The interest is real enough to be reported in both England and Portugal. The concern is that Sporting’s asking price appears to be moving in only one direction.
🇩🇪 Ilia Gruev | “Really enjoy playing here”
➡️ Leeds United player pushes transfer idea aside
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