Sky Sports reveal "breaking news" that'll leave Leeds United supporters gutted - opinion

Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to bring Sekou Mara to Elland Road this summer.

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports this lunchtime, with Hayley McQueen revealing on Sky Sports News that, despite Victor Orta being reported to have made contact with FC Girondins Bordeaux regarding a deal for the 19-year-old this summer, Southampton have now reached an agreement in principle with the Ligue 1 side for the signing of the centre-forward.

Concerning Saints’ bid for Mara, McQueen said: “To some breaking news, Bordeaux have tweeted to say they have reached an agreement in principle with Southampton for the transfer of Sekou Mara. They say the striker will go to England and have his medical examination and sign his contract.”

Considering just how exciting a prospect Mara looks to be, in addition to the fact that Orta is clearly interested in a deal to bring the forward to Elland Road this summer, the news that Southampton have now reached an agreement with Bordeaux for the transfer of the 19-year-old is sure to have left supporters of the Whites gutted.

Indeed, the £2.7m-rated talent caught the eye over his 26 Ligue 1 appearances – only eight of which came as starts – last season, scoring six goals and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.5 shots – 0.7 of which hit the target – making 0.3 key passes and completing 0.4 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the teenager who Jacek Kulig claimed is “one of the very few Bordeaux players that deserved to stay in Ligue 1” average an extremely respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.77 – an impressive feat considering Les Girondins’ relegation from the top flight of French football.

Furthermore, Mara also demonstrated