Leeds United still face a significant battle for the signature of Bilal El Khannouss as Leicester City face up to the prospect of losing one of their star players.
With Leeds closing in on the signature of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Daniel Farke has put the first piece of the puzzle in place as he looks to find the goals he needs to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
Now, Leeds will turn their attentions towards their other attacking options, with ongoing links to Nico Gonzalez of Juventus and the man who scored the title-winning goal last season, former loanee Manor Solomon.
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Another name on Leeds’ radar is Leicester’s talented attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, who has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.
Now, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has provided Leeds United News with the latest update on his future with the Foxes, as Leeds face a fight for his signature.
Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City.
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Leeds United face Bilal El Khannouss fight
Farke has spoken openly about Leeds’ need to strengthen their options in attack, having been frustrated in their attempts to bring in marquee target Igor Paixao earlier in the window.
According to Bailey, Leeds are one of the teams that hold a concrete interest in El Khannouss, but they have several rivals for his signature.
Bailey said: “Let’s see where that one goes with El Khannouss. I think El Khannouss will leave Leicester, but there are an awful lot of teams that like him. Leeds being one of them.
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“I don’t think it is 100% he leaves, but he probably will. Leicester need players out as well.
“Not because they’re struggling, but they’ve just got a huge squad and they need to be able to move players on to do some of their own work.”
Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City
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Bilal El Khannouss can help Leeds unlock tight games
Leeds struggled to break down compact defences at times under Daniel Farke in the Championship, as teams looked to frustrate the eventual title winners at Elland Road.
Whilst Farke will face a new problem in the Premier League, with Leeds likely to have less of the ball and territory, they will need to make the most of their opportunities when they come along.
The stats from El Khannouss’ first season in the Premier League prove that he can be the player to give Leeds the cutting edge in attack.
Bilal El Khannouss Premier League Stats Total
Goals 2
Assists 3
Chances Created 42
Touches in the Opposition Box 38
Total Recoveries 92
Recoveries in the final third 9
According to the data from FotMob, El Khannouss had five goal contributions in the struggling Foxes’ attack last season.
However, his contribution could have been greater, as he created 42 chances in total, with 38 touches in the opposition box. He is also a hard worker, with 92 recoveries in total, including nine in the final third, which will suit Farke’s pressing style.