Leeds United are preparing for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest, but plenty of work is still going on behind the scenes to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes.
The Whites remain keen to strengthen several areas, while also working on several departures.
Leeds have already agreed a deal to sign Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach, with Sebastiaan Bornauw set to leave Elland Road and join Hamburg this summer.
The club are also stepping up their efforts to move other players on, with several departures expected as Leeds look to trim the squad, raise funds and create room for further additions.
Read More: Player jets in for medical today ahead of imminent Leeds United move
Leeds United table bid for midfielder
Leeds United scouts were in the stands to watch Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa face Arsenal in pre-season, and he certainly caught their attention. The midfielder scored a superb left-footed goal as Real Betis secured a 3-1 victory.
Deossa turned down a move to Vasco da Gama this summer and has since attracted interest from several clubs, including Leeds, who have been keeping a close eye on his progress.
The Whites have now taken their interest a step further, making a concrete move to sign the midfielder this summer.
According to Noticias Betis, Real Betis rejected an offer from Leeds for Deossa in recent days.
The Whites offered a deal worth around £6.9m for the midfielder, but Betis want more money before agreeing to sell the Colombian.
Betis have made it clear that they want somewhere around £10.3m before they could consider sanctioning Deossa’s departure.
The midfielder does not want to leave Betis, but could be tempted to play in the Premier League if Leeds agree a fee with the Spanish club.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds return with an improved offer for the 26-year-old before the transfer window closes.
Do Leeds need Nelson Deossa?
Leeds United already had plenty of options in midfield last season, so bringing in another player in that position did not initially seem like a priority.
However, their pursuit of Shea Charles suggested Daniel Farke believes there is still room to improve in the middle of the pitch. Charles has since joined Fulham, but Leeds could now turn their attention to Nelson Deossa. If they decide to push ahead with a move for the Colombian, though, they may need to make room in the squad.
Ilia Gruev is still recovering from a knee injury, making a move away difficult at this stage. That could leave questions over Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka if Leeds decide to add another midfielder.
For now, though, Farke may be better off sticking with the options already at his disposal for another season and using the club’s resources to strengthen positions where the need is greater.
Leeds are looking for squad depth here not someone who will slot straight into the starting 11.
Seriously !!! Our recruitment team have been watching this guy for a long time. We won’t be the only ones.. But, yet again, we throw in a clearly low ball offer so that other teams can find out what they need to pay. If we want this guy we should pony up the cash NOW before we get gazumped yet again and one of our “targets” goes elsewhere. We don’t have time to F around at this point in the window. We need to get the players we want in, ideally before kick off on Saturday. If Deossa is someone we need. GET HIM. Just pull the trigger for a change.