Leeds United have reached the 40-point mark in the Premier League and, although they are not mathematically safe yet, it would take a major collapse for them to be pulled back into the relegation battle.
With survival almost secured, attention is already beginning to turn to the summer, when the club is expected to be more active in the transfer market.
Strengthening the midfield is a clear priority, with Leeds targeting several players, including Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney and Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.
The Whites are also considering cost-effective options and are prepared to repeat last summer’s plans by securing a player or two on free transfers in the upcoming window.
Hidemasa Morita is open to a Leeds United move
Leeds have been heavily linked with a move to Hidemasa Morita, who is set to leave Sporting Lisbon on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
His free agent status makes him an attractive option, and Leeds are keen to add his experience to their midfield ahead of next season.
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds have reopened talks with Morita and his representatives over a summer move to Elland Road.
It has been claimed that the midfielder is open to the idea of moving to Elland Road in the upcoming summer transfer window.
However, any deal is likely to happen once Leeds confirm their Premier League stay this season.
The discussions are at an initial stage, and the two sides are nowhere close to agreeing on a deal for him to move to Elland Road.
Several clubs have their eyes on Morita, but it seems he has an eye on a move to Leeds in the upcoming summer window.
Which midfielder will leave Leeds?
Midfield is one of the few areas where Leeds actually have some depth this season, so bringing someone new in would likely mean letting a player go.
Morita would be a top-quality addition, especially with several leading clubs in England and across Europe interested in signing him next summer.
That said, Leeds would almost certainly need to move at least one midfielder on to make room for him when the transfer window opens.
Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach remain key figures in the side, while Ao Tanaka has recently shown why he deserves to stay at Elland Road.
Because of that, it may ultimately come down to a straight choice between Sean Longstaff and Ilia Gruev when deciding who makes way for a new midfield arrival.
