After missing out on Facundo Buonanotte to Chelsea, Leeds United have now reportedly re-opened talks to sign a priority target before the transfer window slams shut.
Chelsea hijack Leeds' Buonanotte move
Just like Igor Paixao earlier this summer, Leeds are set to miss out on an attacking reinforcement at the death. This time, it's Chelsea who have jumped ahead of them in brutal fashion to close in on a deal to sign Buonanotte from Brighton & Hove Albion. The news leaves those at Elland Road back to square one and still in need of additions.
Just where Leeds go from here is the big question. The 49ers have just two days to welcome alternative options and complete a squad that must be good enough to avoid the drop.
So far, Leeds have welcomed as many as 10 signings, with the latest arrival being James Justin from Leicester City. Once again, though, he will boost Daniel Farke's backline rather than add some much-needed goals to his side.
The defender told Leeds' official website after putting pen to paper: "Obviously to join a club of this size and to have the history it has had, and being back in the Premier League was a massive thing for me, so I'm over the moon to have joined.
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"Everyone that I've spoken to about the club and the area has had great things to say about it. So I'm excited to join the lads and get to work.
Whilst Justin is a welcome arrival, Leeds have continued their search for an attacking reinforcement and have reportedly turned back towards one of their main targets.
Leeds re-open El Khannouss talks
According to Leeds United News, Leeds have now re-opened talks to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester this week. The attacking midfielder just missed out on a move to Crystal Palace after they decided to sign Yeremy Pino instead. Although that would have been a disappointment for him, it has seemingly allowed Elland Road chiefs to swoop back in for their priority target.
Dubbed a "fantastic talent" by scout Jacek Kulig, El Khannouss was a rare bright spark in a relegated Leicester side last season and could now provide Leeds' attack with that same spark.
With their attacking problems clear for all to see, the 49ers must back Leeds one final time to welcome a talent like El Khannouss before the deadline.