STEVE EVANS reckons Leeds have signed their version of Arsenal legend Patrick Viera after beating Rangers to the signing of Toumani Diagouraga.

Ibrox boss Mark Warburton had targeted a deal for the 28-year-old this month as he looked to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign and what he hopes will be a shot at the Premiership next season.

But the midfielder has now clinched a switch to Elland Road after Leeds agreed a fee with Brentford for one of their key performers.

Diagouraga was a stand-out under Warburton and David Weir in the Championship last term as the Bees fell narrowly short in their bid to clinch promotion to the Premier League.

But the French star will now not be reunited with his former boss at Ibrox after he put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal in Yorkshire.

And United boss Evans is delighted to have completed a move for Diagouraga as he tipped him to go on and become a key player for his side in England’s second tier.

He told STV: "I think it was a big decision for the kid. I was obviously aware of Rangers' interest.

"The boy had a big decision make. But obviously you only get to speak to a player if clubs agree a fee. We agreed a fee, so that’s why we could speak to him.

"It’s taken a little while to get there but I’m delighted we’ve got there. I’m grateful to the owner Mr Cellino who’s made this happen.

"I wanted to build. I thought we wouldn’t get there so I was pleased to get it over the line. He was up there with my top targets."

"We’ve got a boy who’s 6 foot 2, we’ve got a Patrick Vieira-type player.

"He brings real quality to our midfield. He's signed for a giant in English football."