Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has seemingly confirmed that his side are set to sign Marseille striker Bamba Dieng.
The Whites were initially pushing to sign PSV attacker Cody Gakpo, but the Dutchman is now set to stay put with Ruud van Nistelrooy's side for the 2022-23 season.
Instead, Jesse Marsch's side have switched their attention to Marseille's Dieng and have supposedly reached an agreement with Les Olympiens over an £8.6m move.
Now, owner Radrizzani has taken the unusual step of welcoming Dieng to the club before the switch has been confirmed, with the 47-year-old replying to a Twitter user who urged fans to get behind the Senegal international's signing after a move for Gakpo fell through.
"Agreed. Let's welcome Bamba Dieng and we will continue to work on Gapko. Now it s time to focus on the pitch and support our new project and the great job Jesse and the staff are doing 💪💛💙," Radrizzani tweeted.
Agreed. Let s welcome Bamba Dieng and we will continue to work on Gapko. Now it s time to focus on the pitch and support our new project and the great job Jesse and the staff are doing 💪💛💙
— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) September 1, 2022
While Dieng's move to Elland Road is yet to be completed, journalist Ryan Taylor adds that the Senegal international is close to joining the Whites and will sign a five-year deal.
Dieng is reportedly yet to arrive in the UK for his Leeds medical but will seemingly leave Marseille after racking up nine goals and three assists in 42 senior games for Igor Tudor's side.
Last season, Dieng came up with 10 goal contributions in 25 Ligue 1 outings under the guidance of Jorge Sampaoli, netting seven goals and setting up three more to help his side finish second.
Ben Knapton
