Leeds United have been handed fresh hope in their long-running pursuit of Bilal El Khannouss, as his proposed move to Crystal Palace appears to be in jeopardy.
A damaging 5-0 defeat against Arsenal handed Leeds a reality check after their opening round win over Everton, and offered a timely reminder that Daniel Farke still needs more reinforcements.
Leeds have bolstered their attack in the last week, as Noah Okafor made his debut against Arsenal, but they remain in the market for more options on the flanks.
Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa has been linked with Leeds in recent days, along with Getafe forward Christiantus Uche, as Farke looks to add the firepower he needs to keep the Whites in the top flight.
However, Leeds could still pull off the signing of long-term £30m target Bilal El Khannouss, as his proposed move to Crystal Palace hit a roadblock.
Bilal El Khannouss playing for Leicester City v Sheffield Wednesday.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Leeds United receive Bilal El Khannouss boost
Leeds appeared to be losing ground in the race to sign El Khannouss, as their Premier League rivals stole a march as former Leeds target Eberechi Eze closed on his move to Arsenal.
However, Palace’s chances of signing the Leicester City man appear to be fading, after journalist Sacha Tavolieri suggested that talks between the two parties are now on hold.
In a post on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), Tavolieri said: “Bilal El Khannouss’s transfer is currently on hold.
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“The situation is tense between Crystal Palace & Leicester City, which is complicating negotiations that were already at an advanced stage. El Khannouss made his intentions clear: He wants to leave LCFC.”
As a result, the door could be open for Leeds to resume their pursuit of the Leicester man, although they are also likely to face competition from Tottenham.
Leicester City boss explains El Khannouss’ absence
With his move to Crystal Palace seemingly hitting troubled waters, El Khannouss was left out of Leicester’s trip to the Valley to face Charlton in the Championship.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes explained that he had wanted to take his star playmaker out of the firing line following a week of speculation.
“Bilal is a fantastic young player, very talented,” Cifuentes said, “We felt it was not the easiest week, and in the end we decided to take him out of the spotlight, just because I think it’s the best for him and for the team.”
With fellow Leeds target James Justin also sitting out the game, the Whites could be poised for a double swoop on the Championship side.