Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made it clear that he needs more players, especially in the final third, to feel good about their preparation for the Premier League. The Whites are hoping to add more new faces to the seven new signings they have already made before the window closes on September 1st.
The Whites have signed three defenders, two midfielders and a goalkeeper to strengthen the spine of the team ahead of their return to the Premier League. Lukas Nemcha has been the only attacking addition, and he arrived on a free transfer early in the window. Leeds are keen to add at least one starting number 9 and winger.
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Leeds are also in the market for a versatile attacking midfielder, and have held talks with Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, who has a £24.5m release clause in his contract. The Whites have also been keeping tabs on Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara this summer.
Leeds are also considering several other attacking midfield targets, and now have a clear idea about the price needed to be paid for one of the names on their shortlist of targets.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
Leeds United are aware of the asking price for James McAtee, who is also wanted at Nottingham Forest
James McAtee has been heavily linked with a move away from Manchester City this summer. He played a starring role in the England Under-21s winning the European Championship this year, and wants to play regular football next season.
Leeds are among the clubs who are interested in acquiring the young English midfielder, and many feel he would be perfect for the attacking midfield role in Daniel Farke’s team.
Nottingham Forest have also been monitoring his situation, and while Manchester City would prefer to keep him, the club would not stand in his way if McAtee wants to leave.
There were suggestions that it could take as much as £40m to sign him, but according to Football Insider, the real asking price is not that much.
Manchester City would be prepared to let him go if a club offered them a deal worth £35m in the ongoing transfer window.
McAtee’s potential sale would be pure profit for Manchester City and further increase their spending power this summer.
At £35m, McAtee would be a bargain for Leeds
Brenden Aaronson earned praise for his performance against Villarreal on Saturday in a pre-season friendly at Elland Road. However, doubts remain over his suitability in the Premier League.
Leeds’ interest in El Khannouss shows the club are in the market for a number 10, and McAtee would be a brilliant addition to the squad.
He is struggling to get into a top Manchester City side, but looks primed to have a breakthrough in the Premier League next season.
Several teams are keen to snap him up, and if Leeds have money to spend on a top attacking midfielder, making a move for McAtee should be a priority.
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