Daniel Farke looks to be targeting a number of players this summer with proven Premier League experience as he prepares Leeds United for a return to the top flight.
The Whites boss will be determined to avoid the same fate as last season’s promoted clubs, with all three enduring tough campaigns and suffering relegation.
Having already signed Lukas Nmecha, Sebastian Bornauw, and £18 million Jaka Bijol, Farke and the club are making clear that they are not holding back. Leeds are wisely reinforcing the squad from back to front, showing intent to compete.
The German manager is also said to be eyeing players with Premier League pedigree - a crucial understanding he likely sees as vital in the dressing room ahead of what’s expected to be a challenging year.
With that in mind, Leeds Live have picked out two of the biggest headlines linking current and former Premier League players with a move to Elland Road.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin decision
The 28-year-old striker did not renew his contract with Everton this summer, making him a free agent after spending nine seasons at Goodison Park.
Calvert-Lewin scored 21 goals during Everton’s 2020/21 campaign, but a run of injuries and inconsistency have seen him struggle to rediscover that form in recent years.
Leeds were said to be keen on bringing in the six-foot-two forward, but the radio station talkSPORT now report that Fark'’s side have pulled out of talks, unwilling to meet the striker's wage demands.
Leeds eyeing former Arsenal defender
Leeds are also reportedly interested in Lazio defender Nuno Tavares. The 25-year-old left-back originally joined Arsenal in 2021 for £8m, and after loan spells at Marseille and Nottingham Forest, was sold to the Serie A side this summer for just £6m.
In a quick twist, Tavares could now be heading straight back to the Premier League, with Calciomercato claiming Leeds and West Ham are both monitoring the former Portugal international.
Lazio are understood to be open to selling and hope to make a profit, valuing Tavares between £17m and £21m.
The report adds that a move could happen in the coming weeks, but the question for Farke is whether the full-back is worth a hefty fee after failing to truly establish himself in England the first time around.
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