Leeds United: Gary McAllister on new Elland Road signing

New Leeds signing Toumani Diagouraga up against
old club Brentford. Picture: Bruce Rollinson — New Leeds signing Toumani Diagouraga up against old club Brentford. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

FORMER Leeds United manager Gary McAllister believes that Rangers' loss is United's gain following their capture of giant midfielder Toumani Diagouraga.

The Brentford enforcer was the subject of a couple of bids from the Ibrox giants, with ex-Griffin Park boss Mark Warburton having been keen to pull out the stops to sign him.

But Leeds won the race for his services and McAllister is delighted with that development and believes that the 28-year-old is exactly the type of player they need in their engine room.

He told the Daily Record: “Leeds signing Diagouraga tells you the guy is rated.

“He’s a talented player and Leeds have been re-energised with some new investment.

“I live in Leeds so I want the to club improve. I was happy to see them get Diagouraga as he’s a top player.

“If Rangers were in the Premiership – and it looks like they will be back there next season – would it have influenced his decision?

“You don’t know. Leeds are a big club and have the same ambitions to get back to their top division.

“Diagouraga is exactly the type of player they need.

“Rangers and Leeds have both been battered by ill-management. (Owner Massimo) Cellino is very emotional and wants to get Leeds back up.

“He’s talked the talk and now a few players are starting to arrive. Leeds had been interested in Diagouraga a long time.

“Am I surprised Rangers didn’t try and move the deal along quicker? Maybe yes.

“Leeds boss Steve Evans says Diagouraga reminds him of Partick Vieira. There are similarities, maybe he’s not quite as good as Vieira.

“He’s energetic, covers ground and is destructive but can play as well.”