New signing ready to go with Leeds United

New midfielder Toumani Diagouraga says he is fit and raring to go after completing his deal to join Leeds United from Brentford.
Toumani Diagouraga, playing for Brentford against Leeds United at Elland Road this season.Toumani Diagouraga, playing for Brentford against Leeds United at Elland Road this season.
Toumani Diagouraga, playing for Brentford against Leeds United at Elland Road this season.

The 28-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Elland Road and could go straight into the team to face his former club tomorrow night as it has been confirmed he will travel down to Brentford with his new team-mates.

United beat competition from Glasgow Rangers and another unnamed Championship club to secure Diagouraga’s signature – for a fee believed to be around £600,000 – and the player cannot wait to get started with the Whites.

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He said: “I’m fit, I’m ready to go and we’ll have to see what happens in the coming days.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Brentford, but I felt the time was right for me to take on a new challenge.

“I already know Stuart Dallas and Tom Adeyemi. I also spoke to Sol Bamba as we’re both French.

“I hope to settle in quickly. There’s a very good team here.

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“We just want to win as many games as possible and see where that takes us. That’s all we can do.

“I think the club are putting a project in place. They’ve told me about that project and it sounds interesting – that’s why I wanted to join.

“The club belongs in the top-flight and we’re hoping to make that happen.

“It’s a massive club with a massive fan base. It’s a club that belongs in the Premier League and one that should really be fighting for promotion.

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“I’ve played here against Leeds a few times. Every time you come you see the stadium and the supporters and you know it’s a massive club.

“I’m sure most players would love to play in a stadium like this. It brings big expectations, but if you can’t handle that, then you shouldn’t be here.”

It could be one in, one out for United with another midfielder, Tommaso Bianchi, being given permission to talk over a possible loan move to Italian Serie B side Ascoli.

Ascoli, who have also shown interest in Leeds striker Mirco Antenucci, have negotiated a deal to sign Bianchi until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.

Bianchi, 27, has not played for the United first team in over a year after undergoing surgery on a knee injury last season.