Leeds United are aiming to add more quality to their squad before the end of the transfer window. The Whites are aware of the challenges they are set to face if they are to survive in the Premier League, and are gunning to add more depth to their squad before the September 1st transfer deadline.
The focus is on adding more attacking quality to the final third in the next few days. Leeds looked particularly bereft of ideas and creativity in the final third against a second-string Sheffield Wednesday side on Tuesday night, which outlined the need for something extra in their forward line.
However, Leeds are worried about their midfield options following the injuries to Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu – two of their midfield stalwarts. The club are pondering over whether to make a fresh move to add to their engine room before the end of the window.
Leeds sporting director Adam Underwood and his recruitment team are assessing several options and trying to game several scenarios before deciding on their top targets for the final stretch of the summer.
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Kalvin Phillips could join Leeds United on a free transfer
Kalvin Phillips has been incessantly linked with a move to Leeds all summer, despite suggestions that Daniel Farke is no longer interested in adding a midfielder after Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach’s arrivals.
However, the Manchester City star’s future remains unresolved ahead of the end of the window, and the Leeds links have refused to go away.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed Leeds are rethinking their transfer plans following the midfield injuries, and they could take Phillips back to Elland Road in a shock deal late in the window.
Manchester City are considering paying off his contract to get rid of Phillips, which could mean the midfielder could return to Leeds on a free transfer in the coming days.
“Leeds are keeping very close checks on Kalvin Phillips”, Bailey told LeedsUnited.News.
“I am told that Man City might be trying to pay up his contract – there is still a good chance he ends up at Elland Road.”
Phillips would have to agree to take a massive pay cut
The midfielder has been keen to return to Elland Road and rekindle his career at Leeds, where he came through from the academy and got them promoted in 2020.
However, Phillips is on a contract worth £140,000 per week at Manchester City, and would have to agree to half that figure if he wants to rejoin Leeds.
The Whites are being careful about their wage structure despite being back in the Premier League, and will not pay over the odds to get the midfielder back to Elland Road.
