Leeds United transfer target Bilal El Khannouss looks to be on the move this summer, with an agreement between Leicester City and Crystal Palace reportedly close.
LeedsLive understands that the Whites have held talks over a possible transfer for the Morocco international this summer. The club is still on the search for a number 10 before the September 1 deadline for the end of the summer transfer window.
They face competition from other clubs for El Khannouss with Palace seemingly leading the way. According to Sky Sports, there is a broad agreement between the Eagles and Leicester over how payments for the 21-year-old will be structured. It is said that a deal would be worth £32 million.
However, Leeds could still be handed hope of hijacking a deal with Palace not yet ‘fully committed’ to the transfer. It is said that progress has been ‘temporarily halted while Palace bosses consider their options’.
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Sky Sports deal
El Khannouss will be seen as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, who is closing in on a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. Southampton winger Tyler Dibling is seen as another possible option for Palace.
The Saints value the player at £45 million, though, making a deal much more expensive than El Khannouss.
El Khannouss himself is reported to have a clear preference on moving to Palace this summer. A move to Selhurst Park will see him playing European football with the Eagles in the UEFA Conference League this season.
The attacking midfielder was a bright spark for Leicester last season despite relegation from the Premier League. He started the current season well, providing two assists in the opening day win over Sheffield Wednesday.
He was, however, taken off at half time of last weekend’s loss against Preston North End, with manager Marti Cifuentes unhappy with his performance in the first 45 minutes.
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