Leeds United have suffered a ‘huge blow’ after missing out on the signature of striker Bamba Dieng, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

It seemed as though the Whites had finally been successful in their search for a back-up to Patrick Bamford only for the deal to collapse at the last minute in controversial circumstances.

What is the latest news involving Dieng?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Leeds had reached an agreement with both Marseille and Dieng over a potential deal earlier today.

However, the 22-year-old then received a last-minute offer to remain in Ligue 1 from OCG Nice, and his agent began negotiations with the French outfit from the airport.

Romano claimed that Leeds were so furious with the situation that they decided to leave the negotiations for Dieng, pulling out of the deal.

The Senegal international had emerged as the west Yorkshire outfit’s top target after missing out on the signature of Arnaud Kalimuendo, who moved to Stade Rennais from Paris Saint-Germain.

Yet Jesse Marsch could now be forced to wait until January to strengthen his attacking options following Dieng’s dramatic U-turn.

What has O’Rourke said about Dieng?

Bamford is currently Leeds’ only senior striker, with youngsters Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood the other options at Marsch’s disposal.

And consequently, O’Rourke believes missing out on Dieng’s signature could be a bitter blow for the Whites.  

He told GiveMeSport: “It's a huge blow, they thought they had this deal done. Even the owner Andrea Radrizzani was tweeting saying, ‘welcome Bamba Dieng to the club’, so there’s a bit of egg on his face after this one.”

Who have Leeds signed?

Leeds may have missed out on Dieng’s signature, but Marsch has been heavily backed over the summer, welcoming seven fresh faces to the club.

Attackers Brendan Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra have arrived in big-money deals from Red Bull Salzburg and Feyenoord respectively, replacing the threat that Raphinha posed before his switch to Barcelona.

Meanwhile, midfielders Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Darko Gyabi have been charged with succeeding Kalvin Phillips, who moved to Manchester City, in the middle of the park.

Right-back Rasmus Kristensen and goalkeeper Joel Robles complete the list of new recruits for Leeds in what has been a busy and exciting few months for Marsch and co.