OPINION
With Leeds United still no clearer as to which division they will be playing in next season it must be tough for Marcelo Bielsa and director of football Victor Orta to set out their transfer plans.
The Whites almost need two separate shortlists of potential signings – one for if they seal their dream of promotion and one for if they are forced to fight for a top six finish again in a year’s time.
While the amount of spending for each will differ significantly, there might be a few names which overlap on both and Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame is one that should definitely be on there.
The 31-year-old has plenty of experience in the top two tiers of English football – 234 Premier League and 75 Championship displays to his name – and is the type of player that Leeds are lacking right now; a midfield powerhouse.
The likes of Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips are not afraid to throw themselves around but they lack the same imposing physical stature and qualities as the Senegal star.
Simply put the experienced £45,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac) ace would transform the midfield at Elland Road and bring quality and know how regardless of which division he is in.
However, being such a firm favourite of Rafael Benitez, surely he is out of reach for the Whites?
Not quite, with Diame out of contract at the end of the season and threatening to leave on a free transfer if the club cannot sort out a deal, telling Sky Sports: “It will not be a problem because the club know my position. I have been playing a lot this season, so it will not be a problem to find another team.
“They know I want to stay. But it’s not about me, it is about the club and what they want to do. I am focused on the job of staying up and there will be time in the summer to think about this.
“I am happy here, that’s what I can say. If I can stay I will stay, but if I have to go, I will go. It won’t be a problem.”
Up for nothing in the summer, Diame would be a perfect fit for Leeds regardless of what division they are playing in and would add a little – or should that be big – something different to the side.