Leeds United’s interest in Bilal El Khannouss has been confirmed and while the club are yet to activate a relegation release clause in his Leicester deal, a bid could materialise soon.
Last week, it was reported by non-English media that Leeds had held a meeting with El Khannouss’ camp. They informed the Leicester player’s agents that they are willing to pay the £20m+ clause in his contract.
Leeds are not alone in their pursuit of the Morocco star. It is claimed that Tottenham are considering the wide man as a replacement for Son Heung-min, while Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen are keeping tabs.
But, Ben Jacobs says Leeds are the only Premier League side to make a ‘formal enquiry’ for the £22m star, as Leeds look to move on from the failure to land Igor Paixao. Now, a player-plus-cash deal could arise.
Bilal El Khannouss in action during Leicester City v ACF Fiorentina - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Leicester City touted with interest in Leeds United player
Daniel Farke has made it clear that those with the first-team squad are in his plans and those that are not, are expected to leave. Patrick Bamford has been told to go, while Mateo Joseph is trying to force an exit.
Also missing include returning trio Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and Darko Gyabi. Gelhardt is set for a return to Hull on loan, while Greenwood’s future is in doubt after an indifferent loan spell with Preston.
Leicester have been linked with Greenwood, and could make a move for the former Arsenal man in due course. But if Leicester’s interest is genuine, it might just be that Leeds use that to their advantage.
Sam Greenwood in action for Leeds against Newcastle.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Leeds could use Sam Greenwood to get Bilal El Khannouss
While a move to Leicester seems a touch far-fetched given The Foxes will be among the favourites for automatic promotion, and Greenwood has endured a difficult 12 months, they are still being linked.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
El Khannouss’ interest is big and while Leeds are the only club to make an enquiry, there is clearly a reason why Leeds have not activated his release clause. It might be that Leeds see it as too expensive.
But Greenwood helps Leeds reduce El Khannouss’ cost, while ridding themselves of a player they might have struggled to sell otherwise. If Leicester are keen, a player-plus-cash deal is a possibility.