Leeds United are accelerating their summer recruitment as they aim to have several new signings in place before pre-season gets underway in a few weeks.
The Whites have already reached an agreement to sign Harry Wilson and are now hoping to complete the deal before the weekend.
At the same time, Leeds remain in talks with Borussia Dortmund over Julian Brandt, with Daniel Farke keen to bring the experienced German playmaker to Elland Road.
The club are also making progress in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles. However, his arrival is expected to have knock-on effects within the squad. According to Graham Smyth, signing the 22-year-old would likely pave the way for a significant departure before the transfer window closes.
Graham Smyth predicts a major Leeds United departure
Leeds have enough options in midfield at the moment. However, the club are still pushing to sign Charles from Southampton in the ongoing transfer window.
The Northern Ireland international has emerged as a top target, and the club are keen to finalise his arrival in the coming weeks.
However, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has insisted that Leeds will sell one of the midfielders if they sign Charles in the summer window.
Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast: “It’s all gone quiet on that front [outgoings].
“If they get Shea Charles, I think someone in the midfield area goes.
“I don’t see them going into a season where they have got Charles, Gruev, Stach, Longstaff and Tanaka all competing for two spots.”
Who will Leeds sell?
Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu are untouchable in the squad, and Ao Tanaka is a popular member of the squad and are having a good World Cup.
Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff appear to be in real danger if Leeds sign Charles in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Longstaff had a disjointed season at Leeds since arriving from Newcastle last summer and became a bit-part player towards the end of the campaign.
Gruev has a year left on his contract with Leeds, and there is no sign that the midfielder will be offered a new deal.
His knee injury could be a stumbling block if the Whites want to sell him before the end of the transfer window.
Charles is a player Leeds really want, and the exit of one of the midfielders will have to pave the way for the Southampton star’s arrival at Elland Road this summer.
