Ipswich Town’s latest signing, Toumani Diagouraga wants to help the Blues climb up the Championship table, after joining on a season-long loan deal from Leeds United.

East Anglian Daily Times: Toumani Diagouraga, Leeds UnitedToumani Diagouraga, Leeds United (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

The Paris-born 29-year-old, who will wear the number 37 shirt during his stint at Portman Road, is best known for being a defensive midfielder, having made his name at Championship level with Brentford.

The rangy, 6ft 2ins midfielder could make his Blues bow in Saturday’s Championship game at Preston North End and said he can’t wait to get started.

“I’m very happy, very delighted to get the deal done and I’m just pleased to be here now,” Diagouraga, who was a team-mate of Jonathan Douglas’ at Brentford, told the club’s official website,

“It’s a move that happened pretty quickly as I only heard about the interest at the end of last week, but I’m looking forward to getting started and playing some football now.

“The manager has said he wants me to come in and help the team, play my best and help the side climb up the table. That is exactly what we need to do and I’ll be looking to play my part in that respect.

“I’m ready to play and hopefully I can come in, get some game time and help the team straightaway. I haven’t played for a while with Leeds but I’m focused on Ipswich now and enjoying myself here.”

The Frenchman began his career in Paris Saint Germain’s youth ranks before moving to Watford in 2003 – going on to make just one appearance for the Hornets.

Speaking after the Blues’ 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield at the weekend, Town boss Mick McCarthy said of Diagouraga: “He is a good footballer. He is very mobile. He has got some drive about him. He played in the Brentford team that got to the Championship play-offs and he will be a good asset for us.

“It’s good to bring in new faces. It can revitalise the place.”

Diagouraga, who can also list Swindon, Hereford, Peterborough, Rotherham and Portsmouth amongst his former clubs, has scored 14 goals in 416 league and cup games.