Leeds United reportedly held talks with Super Lig striker Diagne ahead of a potential move to the Championship and Elland Road this summer.
Mbaye Diagne could hardly have reacted better after seeing his dream move to England fall apart during the summer.
A number of clubs in Britain were keen to sign the Senegal striker with Leeds United seemingly at the front of the queue. According to Turkish Football, Leeds were in talks with the representatives of the Kasimpasa star, who was understood to be valued at a bargain £3.6 million.
But, the report adds, any chance of a move to Elland Road disappeared when it became apparent that Diagne did not have the required work permit to play in England.
Since then, however, the 26-year-old has been scoring goals like a man possessed. Diagne’s strike in a 2-1 win against Ankaragucu on Sunday took his tally to six in four Super Lig games in 2018/19.
In fact, since moving to Kasimpasa in January from Chinese outfit Tianjin Teda, he has scord 18 in 21 games in all competitions.
So it would be no surprise if clubs in England, including Leeds, were still interested come January if Diagne maintains this prolific form. Fortunately, Turkish Football claims that the one-time Juventus youngster has applied for an Italian passport in the hope of sealing a move to Britain in the New Year.
Gaining an Italian passport would mean he would not need to apply for a work permit. And, considering that Leeds have just two strikers, Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford, he could be the man to add some depth in attack mid-way through a gruelling season.
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