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Leeds among Premier League clubs eyeing ‘magnificent’ Senegal player who just outshone Declan Rice

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 11 June 2025 9:15, UK

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Leeds, Fulham, Sunderland and Bournemouth are all looking at Strasbourg captain and Senegal international Habib Diarra.

Leeds and Sunderland both won promotion to the Premier League in May and they will be eager to strengthen their ranks ahead of a big 2025/26 campaign.

Meanwhile, Fulham and Bournemouth finished in mid-table and will be keen on kicking on next season, perhaps challenging for Europe.

TBR Football can also reveal what Leeds in particular have done in their pursuit of Diarra, who scored for Senegal against England in their friendly on Tuesday night.

Leeds have held talks over Habib Diarra but Sunderland, Fulham and Bournemouth also keen

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Leeds have indeed got the ball rolling over Diarra.

However, they have competition in the shape of Premier League rivals Sunderland, Fulham and Bournemouth, all of whom will have been watching him against England.

“Leeds are looking at him,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.

“They like him and have enquired and held talks with his camp – however, we can confirm no bid yet.

“He had a very good season and a number of Premier League clubs have looked at him.

“Sunderland, Fulham, Bournemouth – all have done work on him… they are all clearly watching him (last night) too!”

READ MORE: The stats that suggest Mario Stroeykens could be a real gem for Leeds as talks get under way with Anderlecht attacker

How Habib Diarra fared for Senegal against England

Diarra was part of the Senegal team that recorded a historic win over England in Tuesday night’s friendly at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.

The Lions of Teranga ran out 3-1 winners over Thomas Tuchel’s charges, which was the hosts’ first ever defeat to an African nation.

In addition, Senegal’s victory was their first over England, though the two countries have only faced off once before, at the 2022 World Cup.

Diarra, who played on the right wing, scored Senegal’s second goal of the night on 62 minutes to put the visitors ahead.

The 21-year-old took possession of a long ball down the right channel, bore down on goal and slotted through Dean Henderson’s legs.

Diarra’s goal made it 2-1 after Ismaila Sarr cancelled out Harry Kane’s early opener in the East Midlands.

Youssouf Sabaly then added a third in stoppage time to secure a glorious win for Senegal and condemn England to a shock loss.

– and England fans were able to see this for themselves on Tuesday night.