Leeds United manager Daniel Farke and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola in circular inset
(Credit: Imago)
Aheed Abrar
Sat 23 August 2025 11:10, UK
Daniel Farke should push Leeds United to make a concrete approach for James Hill this transfer window.
The 23-year-old has been at the Cherries since January 2022, spending time on loan in Scotland with Hearts and at Blackburn Rovers.
Hill is now wanted at Elland Road, as the Whites look to reinforce their backline before Deadline Day.
Isaac Schmidt looks to be on his way to SV Werder Bremen, and the West Yorkshire outfit may soon make an official push for the English defender.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola
Iraola has spoken on Leeds links with Hill. (Credit: Imago)
Andoni Iraola would like to keep James Hill amid Leeds United interest
Andoni Iraola dismissed interest in Hill from Leeds this summer, which could potentially force the Peacocks’ hand to make a concrete approach.
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The Bournemouth manager revealed that he’s happy with the England Under-21 international and wants to keep him at the Vitality Stadium amid links to Elland Road.
While Iraola doesn’t want to lose the versatile defender, he admitted that nothing can be guaranteed in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Daily Echo journalist Alexander Smith shared on X on 22 August: “Iraola is asked about Leeds’ interest in Hill. Iraola says that is news to him, and he’s very happy with Hill, and he wants to keep him — but he adds that in the window, you cannot guarantee anything, but from his side, Hill is a player that he values.”
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James Justin another transfer target for Daniel Farke
Leeds may be attracted by Hill’s versatility, with the Englishman capable of playing at right-back and centre-back.
While the Bournemouth ace may be attracted by the prospect of getting more regular game time this season, that may not be possible at the Whites due to competition from the likes of Jayden Bogle, Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol.
The West Yorkshire outfit may have better luck enticing Leicester City’s James Justin to Elland Road due to Premier League football.
Justin joined Leicester for around £8million in 2019.
The Englishman now has one year left on his deal at the King Power Stadium.
Farke could use the 27-year-old at right-back or left-back.
Leeds can offer top-flight action to the right-back after the Foxes were relegated back to the Championship last season.
The 27-year-old would also arguably strengthen the Whites squad with his vast Premier League experience.
Justin is also versatile and can play across the backline, but it remains to be seen who the West Yorkshire outfit will end up signing.
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