Leeds have ‘moved on’ from £13m star at Elland Road

Leeds United have ‘moved on’ from Marseille striker Bamba Dieng following their failed deadline day pursuit, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Whites appeared to have wrapped up a deal for the in-demand 22-year-old in the final stages of the summer window before a dramatic turn of events saw him reject a switch in favour of remaining in Ligue 1.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta had reached an agreement with both Marseille and Dieng over a potential deal at the end of August.

However, the Senegal international, who was valued at €15 million (£12.7m) then received a last-minute offer from OGC Nice, and his agent began negotiations with the French outfit from the airport.

Romano claimed that Leeds were so furious with the situation that they decided to leave the talks for Dieng, pulling out of the deal.

But it seems Jesse Marsch’s charges could have had a lucky escape when it comes to Bamba Dieng as complications with his medical meant he was not able to complete the switch to Nice.

The pacey forward is now set to remain on the sidelines at Marseille until at least the winter window, but it appears unlikely that Leeds will revive their interest in him.

Jones doesn’t believe that Leeds will go back in for Dieng when the transfer market re-opens for business and reckons they will ‘seek other forward options’ if it’s still an area of the pitch Marsch wants to strengthen.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I don’t think so. There’s no sign really that they’re going to go back in for that one in January.

“I think they’ve moved on from it, and they’ll seek other forward options if they do need new life in January.”

After missing out on Dieng, Leeds were able to