Leeds United receive shock news as one of their January transfer targets is close to joining another team.
Daniel Farke’s search for reinforcements in the next transfer window have been ramped up. Sources around the club have said that the main areas to be improved are in the midfield, and attack. Leeds United are currently in third place in the Championship, just two points behind Sheffield United and Sunderland. The club could have gone top of the table before the international break, but lost to Millwall in a midweek game.
Fans at Elland Road will be proud of how the team has done so far after what happened in the summer. After losing the Championship playoff finals, the club found it difficult to keep key players and had to sell them to bigger clubs. Former midfielder Glen Kamara said failing to win promotion is one of the reasons he left in the summer transfer window.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
Leeds United set for battle to sign Premier League star
Credit: Imago Images
Daniel Farke is pushing for midfield reinforcements in January after key injuries to star duo Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev. Both players suffered serious knee injuries and could be out for the rest of 2024. This has lead to the club being linked to multiple targets in recent weeks.
One of the players is Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. The 22-year old is reportedly available in January. However the list of clubs interested is a lengthy one according to Caught Offside. Fulham, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and West Ham United are said to be monitoring the youngster. Lens, Lille, Feyenoord, Stuttgart, and Girona are also firmly interested in McAtee.
Leeds will find it difficult to compete with Premier League clubs, and European sides, but the club offer a clearer first team plan. Manchester City are reportedly looking at any deals for the youngster to come with the condition of becoming permanent in 2025 as they look to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Can Leeds pull off this signing?
Leeds United would need a proper package to convince the youngster to join them on loan. But if McAtee does join another club, Leeds will need Premier League football to sway him during the summer transfer window. It would be difficult, but it is definitely achievable.
