Fresh twist emerges in Leeds United and Leicester City race to sign Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo

Leeds United, Leicester City and Southampton were all looking to sign Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo on loan, according to the Chronicle.

The English newspaper reported in its print edition on Saturday (5 August, Page 32), that due to his knee injury the Ivory Coast international will not be leaving Old Trafford this summer.

The Manchester outfit preferred to let him go out on loan but he’s only likely to leave in January as he will miss the first part of the new season.

Not a priority

Leeds have Jack Harrison, Willy Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra, Dan James and Crysenscio Summerville in the wide attacking positions.

Where they need reinforcements is in defence and someone to lead the line for them so not signing Diallo will not be too bad for them.

Daniel Farke’s himself said that it’s a priority to bring in a proper striker and hopefully, they’re working long and hard behind the scenes.

Swansea’s Joel Piroe has been linked but it remains to be seen if that deal can be done, but the chances of that seem slim as of now.

There are many options to consider but with the new season already here and Leeds’ first game to be played on Sunday, it’s about time the club hurries up.

Patrick Bamford remains unavailable for the Whites and that’s been the case for the last two seasons so something needs to change quickly.

In other Leeds United news, an update has emerged on the club’s pursuit to sign two centre-backs this summer with a winger now on the radar as well.

Daniel Farke confirms that ‘brilliant’ player will start for Leeds against Cardiff

Daniel Farke has confirmed Illan Meslier will start for Leeds United against Cardiff City.

Farke was speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Championship opener with the Bluebirds, where he was quizzed on the goalkeeper situation.

Leeds now have two excellent goalkeepers at their disposal after bringing in Karl Darlow from Newcastle United last weekend for a fee of around £400,000.

Darlow has proven himself to be a top player in his position at this level and will have undoubtedly made the move from the North East in the hope of being Leeds‘ number one.

However, the 32-year-old certainly faces a fight on his hand to dislodge Meslier, with Farke having reportedly been impressed with the Frenchman since his arrival.

Farke confirms Meslier will start for Leeds against Cardiff

Despite the speculation surrounding Meslier’s future so far this summer, Farke says he will be his number one for as long as he is here, and fit.

He said: “We need competition. Man management can be difficult but we need competition. We need it in a few other positions. It’s clear that Illan will start if he’s fit.”

It has widely been reported during the window that Meslier is expected to leave Elland Road after an extremely difficult final few months of last season.

However, as of yet, Leeds are yet to receive any offers for the 23-year-old and Farke has handed him a regular starting spot in the three pre-season friendlies he has been available for.

Meslier has looked comfortable playing Farke’s system and if he can return to the levels he showed at times in the Premier League, like in the win at Anfield that prompted Alan Shearer to hail him as ‘brilliant’, he will be a great assest in the Championship.

NEWS NOW: Daniel Farke officially announced Leeds United’s number one goalkeeper after Illan Meslier vs Karl Darlow…

Daniel Farke names Leeds United’s number one goalkeeper after Illan Meslier vs Karl Darlow battle

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has confirmed Illan Meslier will start the new season as his number one goalkeeper, with the biggest show of faith yet in the Frenchman. Leeds have made two signings so far this summer, with bringing in experienced shot-stopper Karl Darlow from Newcastle United one of Farke’s early priorities.

The arrival of Darlow only served to increase the speculation surrounding Meslier, who has been linked with an exit from Leeds since being dropped by ex-manager Sam Allardyce for the closing games of last season. The France international has been linked with a number of clubs already this summer, but so far no offers have been tabled.

While the uncertainty remains, Farke is certain who is starting goalkeeper is, having confirmed Meslier will be between the posts when the Whites play host top Cardiff City on Sunday in their Championship opener.

“I’m quite pleased at the moment, but it’s also clear that Illan will start if he stays fit for the first game,” explained Farke when quizzed on his goalkeeping situation. Darlow is understood to have impressed since his late arrival, but it is the fact that he has not done much work with the squad so far which is ensuring Meslier keeps the position he has held throughout pre-season.

We need competition,” added Farke, further explaining his delight at having two quality keepers to call upon. “Sometimes in terms of man management it is a little bit difficult. So as a coach you ask for options, you ask for competition, that’s what we need.

“Karl came in a bit later. He is an unbelievable guy, an experienced guy who knows English football inside out. He also has had a good performance on the training pitch. I’m happy that we have both of them and also the other young guys. So on the goalkeeper position, at least there’s no concern or worry at all at the moment.”