Billy Paynter has completed his long-anticipated transfer to Doncaster Rovers, thus clearing one of Leeds United’s highest earners off the balance sheet and paving the way for El Hadji Diouf to sign a one year deal at Elland Road.

Neil Warnock has made no secret of the club’s need to offload players before further new arrivals could be signed, and Billy Paynter was amongst a list of names released at the end of last season which the Leeds United manager listed as surplus to requirements.

The Liverpool-born striker has had a torrid time of things at Elland Road, arriving as a replacement for Beckford in 2010, he was the only player to score more goals than Jermaine the season previous. However, the former Swindon Town man failed to make a successful transition into the Championship and few Leeds United fans will be ruing his departure.

Scurrying through the barndoor Paynter left untouched is former Rovers man El Hadji Diouf, one of footballs most controversial figures.

Renowned for spitting at supporters, drink driving and the occasional moment of footballing brilliance, the man Neil Warnock once labelled a “sewer rat” was booed by a section of Leeds United fans on his debut and a poll conducted by The Scratching Shed shows opinion is incredibly polarised with 50% happy at the signing and 50% either on the fence or unimpressed.

Ten clubs in fourteen years tells you everything about Diouf’s inconsistencies and controversial nature. Once a Liverpool and Rangers man, his career has had more highs and lows than your average online casino player’s balance following a night on the blackjack and roulette tables.

Diouf lets his emotions get the better of him, and a lot of this could be to do with the fact he loves the lifestyle surrounding football, the fast cars, the women and the gambling.

Whether he lasts the duration of the one year contract Neil Warnock is believed to be preparing is no more predictable than your average casino game. One thing’s for sure though, it’s bound to be entertaining…