Transfer rumour roundup: What the media are saying about Leeds United
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Leeds United recorded a massive 3-2 victory over Millwall on Saturday to bolster their dream of clinching automatic promotion.
In the midst of the euphoria surrounding the weekend result, it would have been easy for the supporters to miss a handful of transfer stories which have emerged in recent days.
But we’re here to keep you in the loop by delivering a roundup of some of the key transfer stories regarding Leeds and potential plans for the summer window – how kind of us.
Take a look below!
Leeds United target Matt Clarke
According to a recent report from The Times, Leeds and Stoke are both interested in signing Portsmouth’s 22-year-old central defender Matt Clarke this summer.
Club insiders believe that he is destined to become a Championship player next season even if Pompey fail to win promotion, and the club value him at around £4 million.
Naturally, a move to Elland Road doesn’t exactly fit the narrative if Leeds manage to clinch promotion to the top-flight, but the promising youngster’s form this season suggests he could be a cunning acquisition at £4 million – even if he needs to make the huge jump to top-flight football.
Trabzonspor president talks up Caleb Ekuban
Ahmet Agaoglu, the president of Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, has suggested that Leeds made a mistake by allowing Caleb Ekuban to move on loan last summer, while speaking to Demiroren News Agency (via Daily Star).
“Leeds United may be regretting their decision, that’s normal, but it’s their fault.
“We got a player that was left out in his previous team and he is impressing for us.”
And the president suggested a permanent deal could be on the cards, although he is in no rush to enter negotiations with plenty of time remaining to make that decision.
“Our option to make his stay permanent expires on the 31st of May. We are still in March.
“So we are relaxed about the situation, we have time.
“Right now, we have more important issues to deal with, but when the right time comes, we will act.”
Marcelo Bielsa gives green light to Stefan Johansen deal
Stefan Johansen was allowed to leave Fulham in January after failing to cement a place in the starting XI, but that has not prevented Marcelo Bielsa from expressing an interest in his services, according to Football Insider.
The report claims that Bielsa has personally given the green light for the club to sign the Norway international when his contract expires in the summer.
A Football Insider source claims Bielsa has labelled the 28-year-old as “one of the best free agents in the market this summer”, with his current deal set to expire at the end of May.
Leeds are light on options in central midfield so it’s easy to see why the Argentine has taken a keen interest in the 47-cap outcast.