Leeds United are reeling from their disappointment of failing to get a deal over the line for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, but the show goes on with Leeds in talks for other targets.
Initial reports said that Newcastle had accepted Leeds’ £12m bid for Longstaff. It came after transfer expert David Ornstein reported Leeds had made a third offer, with Longstaff agreeing personal terms.
It is unclear if Leeds will go back in with a fourth bid for the midfielder, though it is unlikely Newcastle are requesting much more for their academy product given Longstaff is out of contract at Newcastle in 2026.
Aside from midfielders, Leeds need a goalkeeper, a no.10, a replacement for Manor Solomon and a new starting striker. Joel Piroe won this week’s bleep test and is clearly trying to show he can be that man.
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Leeds United receive massive Vanja Milinkovic-Savic boost
One thing is for sure, and that is the need for a new goalkeeper after Illan Meslier’s mistakes last term. Leeds have held talks to sign Torino giant Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who has a £19m release clause.
Described as “underrated” by Torino manager Paolo Vanoli, Milinkovic-Savic has enjoyed a brilliant couple of seasons at Torino and for his country, including some superb displays at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Torino
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But Leeds face competition, with Antonio Conte’s Napoli also interested and even Jose Mourinho making a player-plus-cash bid to lure him to Fenerbahce. But now, a boost for Leeds comes from Italian media.
A report from TuttoMercatoWeb share a key detail on what Milinkovic-Savic wants. They say the giant goalkeeper is “pushing” for a move to Leeds over Napoli, with Conte’s side yet to really make a move.
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Which others do Leeds want aside from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic?
Leeds have been linked with a multitude of goalkeepers this summer with Meslier expected to leave the club, given his contract ends in June 2026. Lucas Perri at Lyon remains a ‘priority’ for the Yorkshire side.
A move for Nick Pope seems unlikely at this stage, with Pope supposedly happy to remain even if Eddie Howe’s side sign James Trafford. Others linked include Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone and plenty more.
Turkish reports even claim Leeds have made a £6m bid for Fenerbahce’s Croatia international Dominik Livakovic and with Fenerbahce supposedly keen on Illan Meslier, a swap deal could become a possibility.