Leeds United have switched their attention from Igor Paixao to Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss after missing out on the Brazilian, who has now been confirmed as a new Marseille player.
Leeds had a bid accepted via email for Paixao during the Paderborn friendly, but Adam Underwood was never fully confident. Marseille finally stumped up the necessary cash and the Brazilian moves to France.
It left Leeds looking for a new left-winger, and now their attention has turned to Leicester’s El Khannouss. Last Wednesday, Leeds held a meeting with El Khannouss’ representatives ahead of thrashing out a deal.
It is believed Leeds informed El Khannouss’ camp that they will pay his £24.5m relegation clause, but the Whites are not alone in pursuit of the Morocco star. Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio are also keen.
Son Heung-min and Archie Gray in action for Tottenham against Man United.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Son Heung-min’s exit could hand Leeds a big transfer blow
Over the weekend, Son Heung-min confirmed he is leaving Tottenham after 10 years at the club, during a press conference in South Korea. Ben Jacobs then reported Son has agreed a move to MLS side LAFC.
A team that has signed Gareth Bale, Olivier Giroud and Carlos Vela in the past. Son will reunite with his old Tottenham pal Hugo Lloris when a move goes through. Tottenham are looking for replacements.
TeamTalk now say that Spurs have entered the race to sign El Khannouss. With Champions League on offer and a route into the first team with Son leaving, El Khannouss would surely prefer a move to Spurs.
Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City
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What does it mean for Manor Solomon and his Tottenham future?
Manor Solomon continues to be linked with a Leeds return, having chosen to go back to Tottenham and see if he had a chance of resurrecting his Spurs spell. Indeed, Thomas Frank wanted to take a look at him.
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But it is hardly as if he has made inroads. An injury prevented him from travelling with the Spurs squad on their pre-season tour. Son’s exit moves him up the pecking order, but they are obviously keen to replace.
LeedsUnited.News has been told it won’t be long until Solomon realises he has little future at Spurs and then may look to join Leeds, with a £20m fee needed. El Khannouss’ arrival may speed up Solomon’s exit.