Carlton Palmer has urged Brahima Diarra against moving to Leicester City in favour of joining Leeds United on a free transfer during the summer window.
The commentator told Football League World on July 30 that the Whites may be a “great fit” for the former Huddersfield youngster, particularly if Crysencio Summerville or Willy Gnonto leave.
According to Foot Mercato on July 26, Leeds are competing for the 21-year-old with the Foxes, Burnley, and Hull, as well as clubs from Europe.
Palmer said: “I know Premier League clubs are coming in, but you don’t want to go to a club like Leicester, where you’ll be on the bench and, eventually, loaned out in the January transfer window. So you want to go to a club where you can perform well.
“Burnley will be at the top of the league, as will Leeds, who just missed out on promotion last season. Hull is expected to be in the top six, thus any of these football clubs would be a suitable fit for him.
“I think Leeds would be a good fit for him, and we know there’s still work to be done at Leeds United.” There could be players like Gnonto and Summerville who are poised to leave, therefore Leeds United will be in that race next season.
“There will be possibilities for Diarra, but it would be a coup for any of those clubs to secure his services.
“I’d like to see him at Leeds where I think he could have a really big impact and the fans would take to him with his exciting style of play.”
Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are wanted from Leeds.
Diarra is set to decide on his next move following his involvement in the Paris Olympics, and with 41 Championship appearances over the last two seasons with the Terriers, he could be an appealing choice for Daniel Farke.
The Germans’ central midfielders were impressive last season but did not provide much in terms of attacking output or goals, and with Glen Kamara and Archie Gray both gone, the Malian might aid in the centre, with another acquisition likely following the Finn’s departure to Rennes [Leeds Live, 13 July].
He can also play out wide, so he might provide support in those areas, given the interest in both Gnonto and Summerville.
Everton look to have given up on the Italian [Football Transfers, 29 July], while Leeds United are set to beat West Ham to the Dutchman [talkSPORT, 30 July], although things could change closer to the deadline.
Farke has seen a big number of players leave his team this summer on permanent deals, so he will still need to add depth on top of loanee Joe Rothwell and others who returned from temporary moves last season.
And, having left Huddersfield this summer on a free transfer, he may be a very valuable bargain addition if the Whites can get ahead of the queue.
