With little over three weeks left in the transfer window, Leeds United are now stepping up their efforts to bring in more attackers for their squad. Daniel Farke has insisted that the team can’t be termed Premier League-ready before they add to their forward line.
Leeds have turned their focus towards adding to their forward line after spending the majority of the window trying to deepen their midfield and defensive resources and bringing in a new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier, who is likely to move on from Elland Road in the coming weeks.
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Signing a new striker has continued to remain one of their biggest priorities, and the club are looking at several targets, despite identifying Fulham’s Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz this summer.
Leeds are also in the market for a versatile attacking midfielder, and the club have held talks to secure a deal for the signature of Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss in the ongoing transfer window.
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Leeds United have the edge in the chase for Bilal El Khannouss
Leeds have offered the attacking midfielder a contract, and are prepared to trigger the £24.5m release clause in his contract, with all the associated costs.
West Ham and Tottenham are among the clubs who are interested in signing him, but journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed Leicester are the only club who have made a formal move for the Moroccan.
He insisted that the attacking midfielder wants to play in the Premier League, and Leeds remain the only club who have made a formal enquiry for him thus far.
“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”, Jacobs told The Last Word on Spurs.
“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.”
Leeds have nine days to do the deal
Leeds have the edge in the race, but they now need to light a fire on the chase and secure a deal to sign him from Leicester as soon as possible.
The release clause in his contract is only applicable until August 15th, and Leeds have a definite timeline before which they need to sign the attacking midfielder.
It is unclear whether the player has made up his mind, but the Whites must push him for a decision or turn to other targets this summer.
Leicester will have the power to dictate the transfer fee if El Khannouss remains undecided until August 15th.
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