Leeds United target Bilal El Khannouss is attracting interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United. Daily Telegraph journalist John Percy says the Magpies have a "strong interest" in the Leicester City star and are "looking at a possible deal".
El Khannouss, who started the Foxes opening Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday yesterday, is believed to have a £24.5m release clause in his City deal. The 21-year-old starred in the Foxes come-from-behind win over the beleaguered Owls, completing more final third passes (33) than any other player in the second tier of English football over the weekend.
Leeds Live understands the Whites have enquired about El Khannouss' availability as the Whites look to strengthen their forward line before the market closes on September 1. The Moroccan international can be deployed in the No 10 position or out wide. He only joined the Foxes from Belgian club Genk last August.
Manager Daniel Farke said the club's recruitment team are working hard on bringing in attacking reinforcements following Saturday's pre-season friendly with AC Milan in Dublin. However, the clock is ticking on their attempts to sign a first-choice striker, left winger and a No 10.
"We won't panic," stressed Farke. "And it's also not necessary just to bring a traditional number 10 in if he doesn't have the quality, so he's not on the pitch anyhow it makes no sense. But this time of player, same as the striker position and winger position, in the offence we need good additions in all positions in order to be competitive in the best league in the world."
United face Everton in their Premier League curtain raiser a week today.
KICK OFF - Leeds United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
Also full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season.
Get your copy NOW
Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Leeds United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Leeds news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.