Leeds United head coach Steve Evans has confirmed his club have won the race for midfielder Toumani Diagouraga, who he admits was wanted by Scottish giants Rangers, meaning the player had a big decision to make.
Rangers made a move this month to sign Diagouraga, a player Gers boss Mark Warburton knows well from his time managing the Bees. But despite Warburton making the 28-year-old a key target, Rangers were unable to agree a fee with Brentford.
Leeds stepped in this morning, quickly agreeing a fee with Brentford and then thrashing out a two-and-a-half-year contract with Diagouraga at Elland Road.
Evans, who knows he was able to persuade the midfielder to join after holding talks with him, something Rangers could not do, is delighted at the deal and told STV: "He’s signed this morning.
"I think it was a big decision for the kid. I was obviously aware of Rangers' interest", the Scot, a boyhood Celtic fan, continued.
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"The boy had a big decision make. But obviously you only get to speak to a player if clubs agree a fee. We agreed a fee, so that’s why we could speak to him.
"It’s taken a little while to get there but I’m delighted we’ve got there. I’m grateful to the owner Mr Cellino who’s made this happen.
"I wanted to build. I thought we wouldn’t get there so I was pleased to get it over the line. He was up there with my top targets", Evans added.
The Frenchman, schooled at Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy, becomes Evans' first permanent signing as Leeds boss.
