Leeds United could make a move for Bamba Dieng before the transfer window deadline...

What's the word?

The 22-year-old forward was left out of Marseille's squad for their Ligue 1 clash with Nantes on Saturday evening amid speculation over his future.

Leeds are one of several teams to have been linked with a move for the Senegal international, with the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham United also keen.

But journalist Robin Bairner believes the Whites could be an ideal landing spot for Dieng. He told MOT Leeds News:

"Yeah. It could be a nice move for him.

"Looks like he won’t get much of an opportunity to play at OM this season, which is a shame because he needs someone to show a bit of confidence in him."

Bargain Terrier alternative

Leeds' striker search appears to have taken them to the French top-flight, where Stade Rennes frontman Martin Terrier is thought to be among the options.

"He's been on Leeds' radar for most of the summer," journalist Pete O'Rourke revealed to Football FanCast earlier this week but according to The Athletic's Phil Hay, he's likely to cost in excess of £30m.

Dieng, however, would come at half that price (£15m) and he's just as worthy a candidate.

Despite his young age, the 22-year-old brute has managed to make 42 appearances for OL over the course of his young career to date, in which he has delivered nine goals, as per Transfermarkt.

Once described as "explosive" by his former manager Jorge Sampaoli, the 5 foot 10 marksman offers a nice combination of pace and power, and that sort of skillset could thrive in Jesse Marsch's system at Elland Road.

Such exploits have also seen him compared to former Chelsea goal machine Didier Drogba.

"He’s a forward, a Didier Drogba [kind of player]. All he knows how to do is score goal," claimed ex-Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf.

"He’s a young player who has a future. The Senegal national team has perhaps also found its own great striker. All I can say to him is that he should keep his head on his shoulders, and carry on working hard. Out of three chances, he’ll score two. He’s a striker who finishes when he’s in the box."

It's no secret that Leeds are in dire need of depth to their frontline and considering the fact that Patrick Bamford very much remains the first choice, it could be foolish to splash the cash on a backup.

Therefore, a move for Dieng could make the world of sense as at just £15m, he'd be an absolute steal in comparison to someone like Terrier.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta must look to get a move for the Marseille outcast over the line as there are now less than ten days to go in the transfer window.

AND in other news, Beren Cross drops behind-scenes transfer update...