Leeds United have emerged as the latest English club to set their sights on Stade Rennais’ Djaoui Cissé.
That’s what Media Foot are reporting. The outlet covers the groundwork from Leeds United to try and sign the 22-year-old in the summer.
Daniel Farke’s side come after West Ham United in showing interest in Cissé. At the start of this season, Sport Witness relayed claims from France of the Hammers submitting a ‘very important’ bid last summer.
The source reported the London club’s offer was €22m as a fixed fee plus €3m in potential bonuses. Stade Rennais wanted to build a team around the midfielder and therefore, turned down West Ham’s proposal.
Media Foot make no mention of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side and name only the Whites.
What steps Leeds United are taking
According to the report, the Premier League side have already gathered updates about the player.
It’s not specified whether Leeds United approached the Ligue 1 side, his camp or both, to collect information.
Either way, Farke’s side have laid the groundwork to bring the Frenchman to Elland Road after this season.
Whites face Bundesliga competition
Leeds United have to be wary of competition from the Bundesliga. According to the report, both Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing him.
Cissé joined the French club’s academy in 2019 and was promoted to the first team in 2024. He’s played 35 matches so far of which 19 [874 minutes] are from this season.
Earlier this month, Stade Rennais appointed Franck Haise as Habib Beye’s successor.
The report states the French club haven’t made a decision yet on the player, who has a contract until 2030. However, the outlet insists the ‘door doesn’t seem to be closed to a transfer’.