Just 12 days separate now and Leeds United’s opening Premier League game against Everton at Elland Road and by Daniel Farke’s own admission, his squad is not yet ready.
Seven additions have been brought to the club for a staggering £80m. A figure that holds even more weight when considering Leeds have not brought in a penny this summer, only loaning out Max Wober.
And yet, Leeds have much more business to do. Beren Cross thinks Leeds still want four more signings, replacements for Manor Solomon and Isaac Schmidt, a starting striker and then competition at no.10.
As things stand, it is not believed Leeds are close to any deals. But, The Whites did hold a meeting last Wednesday with Bilal El Khannouss’ camp ahead of activating the relegation clause in his Leicester deal.
Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City during the Leicester City training session.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Leeds the only Premier League club to make ‘formal enquiry’
It is believed the clause is only active until August 15, with the Morocco international set to leave The Foxes for a £24.5m fee. It comes after El Khannouss was a bright spark in a very poor Leicester side.
Plenty of Premier League clubs have been linked, but transfer expert Ben Jacobs told The Last Word on Spurs that Leeds are the only club to make a “formal enquiry” for El Khannouss at this moment in time.
“The kind of midfielders that I hear [Tottenham are looking at] is Bilal El Khannouss. Leeds United are the only Premier League club to make a formal enquiry. West Ham and Tottenham have considered doing so.
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“It is a relatively easy deal to do. Some reports say that Leicester want a fee of £25m. That’s not true, to my understanding. El Khannouss has a relegation release clause which can be triggered for just €26m.
“That’s a deal at around £22m. The player wants a move, he wants to remain in the Premier League, and therefore suitors may come in. Let’s see if Tottenham come in, but it is Leeds that have made an enquiry.”
Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Which other clubs have been linked with Bilal El Khannouss?
Crystal Palace are keen to bolster their ranks ahead of a European campaign, while Sunderland continue to copy Leeds’ homework. Tottenham may also move for El Khannouss after losing Son Heung-min.
Arsenal, Lazio, Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are also considering El Khannouss. Plenty of interest in the Leicester star but as things stand, merely based on progress within a deal, Leeds are winning the race.
But Leeds fans are still hurting after missing out on Igor Paixao, despite agreeing a fee for Paixao. The Brazilian joined Marseille instead, with Paixao explaining why he chose to join Marseille over Leeds.