Leeds United are still some way off securing their first deal of the summer, despite the noise surrounding certain mooted targets, Leeds Live understands.
Sister title the Liverpool Echo reported this week that the Whites hold concrete interest in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, with Liverpool willing to listen to offers above £20million. Brentford and West Ham are also thought to be keen on the Irishman.
While interest in Kelleher has not been denied, it’s understood that progress on any potential early Leeds target is embryonic with a first arrival still some way off. The race for Kelleher is expected to be hectic this summer.
The 26-year-old feels he is ready to be a number one elsewhere and it is anticipated he will be granted his wish this off-season, with shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive at Anfield from Valencia imminently following last year’s £30m transfer agreement.
The future of Illan Meslier is in doubt after being dropped by Daniel Farke for the final seven games of the season following a catalogue of errors. The Frenchman, who has made 214 appearances for Leeds, enters the final year of his contract in July, as does Karl Darlow.
With United tipped to sell players in order to drum up more funds for new arrivals, it seems more likely that Meslier - aged 25 - gets sold for a fee higher than 34-year-old Darlow could yield. Any exit possibilities remain ambiguous for now, though.
Boardroom confirmation
Leeds Live understands there has been no change in the role of Peter McCormick, who remains as executive vice chairman amidst a swathe of boardroom movements this summer.
The former FA and Premier League chief was hired in March when Angus Kinnear’s exit to Everton was confirmed, though occupies separate and different responsibilities.
His duties include advising the board on financial matters and standing in for chairman Paraag Marathe at meetings he is unable to attend. McCormick also aides in commercial and stadium planning.
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The exit of Kinnear as CEO prompted a review of the boardroom structure, which ended with Robbie Evans being promoted to managing director. He will essentially take on the duties of Kinnear while Adam Underwood assumed the role of sporting director.
Whispers from France
There is low-lying noise coming from France that suggests a Ligue 1 side are keeping tabs on Mateo Joseph. Although there is nothing concrete in this regard yet, connections who have correspondence with BlueCo - the consortium owners of Chelsea - moot that Strasbourg are admirers of Joseph.
Joseph, who scored three goals in 41 appearances this season, is set to compete for Spain in this summer’s Under-21 European Championships, where onlookers are set to take a closer look at the attacker. Joseph has scored seven times in nine games for the age group.
A good showing this summer could bump up the 21-year-old’s price tag. United’s stance on a summer sale is not clear, having rejected a bid worth more than £10million from Real Betis in the winter market.
With Leeds battling tighter spending limits than their Premier League rivals, it is possible that tough sale decisions are made. Betis are expected to come to the table again for Joseph and can offer Europa League football.
Strasbourg, headed by Chelsea chief Todd Boehly, will play in the Europa Conference League qualifiers next season. The club have not reached the main stage of a UEFA competition since 2005/06.
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