Leeds United have signed seven new players since getting promoted to the Premier League at the end of last season, but their business has come to a screeching halt over the last few weeks. Tension is growing inside the camp as they prepare for their opening game of the season against Everton on Sunday.
Daniel Farke is not too pleased with the state of his Leeds squad and has insisted that his attacking options are weaker than what he had last season in the Championship. He doesn’t believe the Whites can compete in the Premier League if they do not add new faces to their forward line before the end of the window.
Leeds are looking to bring in a striker, a winger and a new attacking midfielder, but the club have not ruled out adding to other areas of the squad should a good opportunity present itself.
However, the Whites are focused on bringing in attacking reinforcements in the next few weeks, and it could result in Leeds missing out on a top midfielder they have been tracking this summer.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United defenders?
West Ham set to table an opening bid for Leeds United target Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes is expected to leave Southampton this summer due to interest from several Premier League clubs, and he is set to play in the top-flight again.
Leeds have been tracking the 21-year-old midfielder, but any move for him would need a departure from the Whites’ midfield and the club are focused on signing attackers.
According to the Guardian, West Ham are set to make a concrete move to sign the young Southampton midfielder with an opening bid imminently.
The Hammers have been tracking the Saints’ star and are now prepared to move in with an offer for him soon.
West Ham are looking at several midfield targets, but Fernandes has emerged as Graham Potter’s number one target this summer.
Southampton are aware that they are likely to lose the young Portuguese, but they are not prepared to lose him for a knockdown fee.
Despite getting relegated from the Premier League, the Saints are expected to hold out for a fee in the region of £30m before agreeing to sell the player.
Leeds cannot afford to get involved in this race
Fernandes has admirers at Leeds, and the club believe the 21-year-old has the makings to become a top midfielder in the future.
However, Leeds are stacked in central midfield, and do not have a spare £30m to spend on another player for that position in the final three weeks of the window.
Their focus is on adding goals and creativity to the squad, and the club are facing the threat of losing out on a few top targets if they do not move fast.
The Southampton midfielder could go on and develop into a top player for West Ham, but Leeds cannot afford to tussle for him at this stage of the window.
complete and utter bollocks as usual. Get a proper job.