HITC Sport understands that Leeds United have bid for Rangers target and Brentford midfielder Toumani Diagouraga.

Leeds have launched a bid for Brentford midfielder Toumani Diagouraga as they look to beat Rangers to his signing, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Rangers have been leading the chase for Diagouraga during the January transfer window, and they have had one bid rejected by Brentford for the Frenchman.

Diagouraga recently had a transfer request rejected by Brentford, with the player keen to leave Griffin Park because of the club’s failure to tie him down to a new improved deal.

Leeds have now made a move to hijack Rangers’ pursuit of Diagouraga, as head coach Steve Evans looks to lure the midfielder to Elland Road.

Evans revealed to the club’s official website earlier this week that Leeds had made two bids for mystery players, and it appears that one of them is Diagouraga

Diagouraga has established himself as one of the best all-round midfielders in the Championship after impressing for Brentford for the last couple of seasons.

The 28-year-old joined Brentford from Peterborough United in 2010, having started his career at Watford, and he is currently one of the club’s longest serving players.

In other news, Our View: Rangers could accidentally open door for Celtic to sign 22-year-old