With less than three weeks to go until deadline day, Leeds United still need at least three players through the door.
Recruitment chiefs had indicated earlier in the summer that the number of new faces could stretch into double figures and now that seems a necessity. Daniel Farke’s comments that the team in its current guise is not yet ready for the full Premier League season are stark but ones that many supporters will agree with.
The season kicks off on Monday and there are no guarantees that new faces will be in through the door before then. Two positions stick out as needing urgent attention with two others also on the transfer agenda. Here we look at the current state of play across all four areas.
Striker
Leeds still hold Rodrigo Muniz as their number one target and still retain hope of landing him. They would now appear, though, to have competition from Atalanta, who can offer Champions League football.
Nevertheless, Leeds have received a good reception from the player’s end amid the idea of a move to Elland Road and insiders believe that Fulham may be more receptive to a sale should they acquire a new centre-forward themselves.
While other names have been considered, Muniz is the top target and there is a sense that United are banking on movement at Craven Cottage to see them capture their main man. Muniz was not in the Fulham squad that beat Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Left winger
After missing out on Igor Paixao, a number of wingers have been looked at by Leeds albeit most that are known seem to have a preference for the right. Dilane Bakwa of Strasbourg, Ben Doak of Liverpool and Nico Gonzalez of Juventus all come under his category, although all can play on the left.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
While all on the radar, formal approaches for none have been made. Daniel Farke has frequently underlined in recent weeks the need for more attackers, stating that options from last season haven’t been improved upon.
He cited Manor Solomon as a big loss. While the club have not closed the door on him, there have been no soundings that a deal is being pursued after Tottenham Hotspur quoted a price wholly unfeasible for Leeds to consider earlier this year. And it is understood that the player’s preference is to stay on at Spurs.
Attacking midfielder
Leeds have spoken to Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss but nothing has progressed since that point. The player seems in no rush to make a decision amid reports that Tottenham and Newcastle United are both considering an approach.
Farke has said he will “stay awake” in the market for a creative number 10, outlining how useful such players can be. Given the use of 4-3-3 for most of this pre-season, perhaps this role is the least urgent out of the four areas being looked at.
Full-back
Isaac Schmidt will not be allowed to leave until Leeds have brought in a replacement first. Werder Bremen have lined up a loan pursuit of the Swiss full-back but recent reports suggest they are getting cold feet over the length of time it is taking.
Jayden Bogle’s recent injury has highlighted the lack of strength in depth Leeds have on the defensive flanks. Club chiefs are confident they will bolster all of the key areas earmarked for reinforcement before deadline day, including full-back.
Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the bestLeeds Unitedcoverage 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 clickinghereto subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Clickhereto be sent all the day's biggest stories.