Leeds are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley. With limited movement around Rodrigo De Paul in Leeds United transfer news, the Whites could be forced to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield options.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are pondering potential backups to De Paul despite agreeing personal terms with the Udinese star.
It’s proved challenging to settle on a transfer fee with the Serie A club, which could lead Leeds towards England international Barkley.
A loan move for the Chelsea man could work out for both sides. The Blues are thought to be looking to trim their squad after a huge summer spending spree, and Barkley could be deemed surplus to requirements.
The former Everton man spent a brief spell on loan at Elland Road as a teenager in 2012-13, though he struggled to make much of an impact.
Football Insider previously mentioned Barkley as a player that could be used in a swap deal if Chelsea land Declan Rice before the window shuts.
He hasn’t started either of their first two Premier League matches and despite playing 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup in midweek, he looks to be a long way down Frank Lampard’s pecking order.
Hay Updates On Llorente Medical
Diego Llorente’s transfer to Leeds has been reported by 888Sport every step of the way. Completion is an inevitability at this point, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay providing the latest update on Llorente’s medical.
Hay, reporting for The Athletic, confirmed the length of contract and claimed there were ‘no issues’ with the medical.
“Diego Llorente saying goodbye to Real Sociedad officially tonight. Understood to be no issues with his medical or a four-year deal at Elland Road.”
According to Sky Leeds in advanced talks with Real Sociedad for defender Diego Llorente @PhilHay_ is this true ?
— RayH??????? (@rayhilton1) September 22, 2020
The announcement of Llorente’s transfer is surely just around the corner and should come before Leeds’ next match - a Yorkshire derby with Sheffield United at the weekend.
Llorente is unlikely to be thrown straight into the team however, with Robin Koch and Liam Cooper expected to continue as the defensive partnership.
Leeds Could Move For Bayern Outcast
Leeds could make a move for Bayern midfielder Michael Cuisance, according to FootMercato editor-in-chief Sebastien Denis. Cuisance was signed by Bayern last summer, but he started just three Bundesliga matches.
Denis reports that Cuisance wants more game time and could be willing to leave the Bavarian superclub to get it.
Marseille are apparently in the mix for Cuisance, but the Ligue 1 side do not want to do a permanent deal at this stage. A loan with an obligation to buy doesn’t interest Bayern, leaving the door ajar for Leeds.
Bielsa apparently ‘loves’ the player and has asked the Elland Road hierarchy to make a move. Watch this space for transfer news updates on what could be another high-profile saga involving Leeds United.
Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*