What has been widely noticed about Leeds United’s approach to the transfer window so far, is that Adam Underwood and the transfer team are picky – but in a good way.
Leeds made a £22m bid for Habib Diarra. They felt the Senegal star was worth that amount of money, but Strasbourg wanted more for a player who will be at the African Cup of Nations in December and January.
Sunderland got their man, but only after meeting Strasbourg’s demands – a fee that is likely to exceed far more than £30m. Leeds’ checklist is specific, with all three signings 26, internationals, and taller than 6ft.
Gabriel Gudmundsson will be next through the door and although he doesn’t tick the last of the three boxes, he is 5ft 11 – tall for a full-back. Another that ticked almost all three boxes was Dom Calvert-Lewin.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.
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Why Leeds rejected chance to sign free agent Dom Calvert-Lewin
After nine years at Everton, Calvert-Lewin has left Everton on a free transfer. An England international, a proven Premier League striker and still only 28, Calvert-Lewin is excellent in the air – he ticks many boxes.
But his injury record is a severe blot on his CV while his request for too big a wage saw Leeds choose to reject a chance to sign Calvert-Lewin earlier this summer. Leeds already have injury-prone strikers.
Daniel Farke celebrates with fans as Leeds United beat Bristol City.
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Patrick Bamford shares many qualities, but like the former Everton man, is also injury-prone. Meanwhile, new signing Lukas Nmecha – 26, seven Germany caps and 6ft 1in – is no stranger to the treatment room.
Calvert-Lewin was obviously on big money at Everton given his previous exploits in the Premier League but now injury prone, his wage demands exceed what he can offer. But Calvert-Lewin does have interest.
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Manchester United are considering a move to land Calvert-Lewin
Ruben Amorim’s side are expected to make two big-money signings in attack, having got Matheus Cunha through the door while Bryan Mbuemo is set to join him. Yet, Amorim wants more in his final third.
Ruben Amorim ahead of a game between Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United.
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But having spent so much, a low-cost back-up striker is required and Calvert-Lewin fits the bill for Man United, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon. He reports Man United are considering a surprise move.
Whether Calvert-Lewin is willing to join a side where he will only be a rotational option remains to be seen. But, Man United should be able to meet his wage demands even if his injury risk is substantial.