With less than a week left for their first game of the season, Leeds United still have a lot to do in terms of strengthening their squad this summer. Daniel Farke has demanded the additions of players in the attacking areas to help them compete in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Adam Underwood, the Leeds sporting director, is facing some tough questions as the manager continues to call for additions to his squad before the end of the window. He doesn’t believe the squad are ready for a campaign in the top flight if new players do not arrive for the final third of the pitch.
Leeds want to sign a striker of real quality who can lead the line in the upcoming season, a winger who will be Manor Solomon’s replacement and a versatile attacking midfielder who will be an upgrade on Brenden Aaronson.
The Whites are open to adding to other areas of the squad, but the focus for now is clearly on improving Farke’s attacking options before the window closes on 1st September.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
Opening bid rejected for Leeds United target
Mateus Fernandes has been on Leeds’ radar all summer, and the Southampton midfielder has admirers inside the club’s recruitment team.
However, Leeds are focused on adding forwards, and West Ham have the edge in the race to sign the Portugal midfielder before the end of the window.
It emerged on Monday that the Hammers were set to table an opening bid for the player, and that offer has gone in.
However, according to Sky Sports News, the Saints have rejected the opening offer from the Hammers for Fernandes.
West Ham’s bid was around the £30m mark, which was anticipated to be Southampton’s asking price, but it was deemed not good enough.
Southampton do not want to lose the 21-year-old midfielder and have slapped a £50m price tag on him to scare away suitors.
West Ham remain keen on him and are expected to go back with a fresh offer soon. However, it is unclear whether they will get anywhere close to the asking price.
His suitors could need Fernandes to put pressure on the Saints to lower their demands if he is to leave the club this summer.
No chance of Leeds getting involved in this saga
Leeds have shown interest in Fernandes and made enquiries about him earlier in the summer. However, they look stacked in midfield at the moment.
Any fresh move for a midfielder would need a departure from the squad, and it doesn’t appear the Whites are looking to sell any of their current midfield options.
Southampton’s decision to slap a £50m asking price has further made it clear that Leeds made the right decision in chasing other midfield targets.
With Leeds focused on adding forwards, there is zero chance of the club getting involved in the transfer saga involving the 21-year-old midfielder.
