Journalist Pete O’Rourke has described Leeds United missing out on deadline day target Bamba Dieng as a ‘huge blow’.

The Lowdown: Crazy deadline day

Victor Orta was extremely busy on the final day of the summer window looking for a striker. A move for Cody Gakpo fell through in the morning, resulting in Leeds going after Dieng.

A deal appeared to be edging closer, with Andrea Radrizzani even welcoming the player, however, the forward then opted to join Nice. It didn’t end there, though, with Dieng failing his medical and remaining a Marseille player.

Leeds brought in teenager Wilfried Gnonto from FC Zurich to soften the blow after it emerged that Rodrigo would be missing three to four weeks with a shoulder problem.

The Latest: O'Rourke reacts

O’Rourke, talking to GiveMeSport, had this to say on Leeds’ failed move for Dieng, labelling it as another ‘huge blow’ after the problem with Rodrigo added to their problems up front.

“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.”

The Verdict: Dodged a bullet?

Even though O'Rourke rightly feels that missing out on a recognised goalscorer is a blow for Leeds, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise following a failed medical with Nice.

Leeds already have enough injury-prone forwards at the club in Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford, so, in hindsight, it may have been a risk bringing in Dieng.

Gnonto actually has more first-team experience than Dieng, is a full Italy international and is four years younger, so hopefully, all the stress of deadline day will be worth it by bringing in Gnonto.