Report: Bielsa has ordered Leeds to sign Real Madrid star, played just 52 games in four seasons at Bernabeu

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90Min report that Marcelo Bielsa has ordered Leeds to raid Real Madrid and sign striker Mariano Diaz – with the forward surplus to requirements.

Diaz, 28, has struggled for game time ever since returning to Madrid – managing just 52 appearances in the last four seasons for the Galacticos.

Before that, Diaz had left Madrid after breaking into the senior side, to join French club Lyon. He sparkled in France, scoring 21 goals in 48 games.

But after just that one season, Madrid chose to bring him back to the Bernabeu – where he has since been a squad player.

Carlo Ancelotti has used the striker just once this season. Now, he could finally be on the move – as he enters the last 18 months of his contract.

90Min say Bielsa has asked Leeds to bring him to Elland Road as competition for Patrick Bamford – who returned from injury on Monday.

Diaz to Leeds: Is Madrid star kind of player Leeds should be after?

Diaz will be rusty. Clearly, he is a good player – you have to be to play more than 50 times for Madrid. But he is no better than a squad player for them.

Just 52 outings in four seasons is bad, but it is made slightly better when considering Madrid’s attackers – Karim Benzema is improving with age.

Luke Jovic cost a lot and because of that, remains above Mariano in the pecking order. The striker earns £65,000 a week at Madrid (Jeunes Footeux).

Should that lack of game time deter Leeds, or should they look at his Lyon stint? Perhaps a loan deal, with a permanent clause, makes more sense.