Chelsea centre-back Ethan Ampadu looks close to becoming Leeds United’s first signing of the summer transfer window amid widespread reports that the Welsh international appears set to join the West Yorkshire club permanently.
The development first emerged from the London Evening Standard, who claim that Leeds have already made a bid for Ampadu despite strong interest from other clubs in acquiring his services.
Of those other sides interested in the 22-year-old – suggested to be Premier League clubs as well as teams in both Italy and Spain – Leeds are understood to be the only one who has made a concrete offer at this stage.
Chelsea are believed to be looking for a fee in the region of £12m to secure Ampadu’s services.
Leeds’ interest has now been confirmed by The Athletic’s chief Leeds United writer Phil Hay, who claimed that discussions between Ampadu and the Whites are still underway but are “well advanced”.
“First signing close for Leeds United…centre-back Ethan Ampadu lined up to join on a permanent deal from Chelsea,” Hay wrote on Twitter.
“Terms still to be finalised but well advanced.”
With Leeds set to be officially taken over by San Francisco 49ers Enterprises in the near future, Ampadu looks set to become the first signing of what will presumably be a busy transfer window at Elland Road, as the Whites seek an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation last season.
