The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 7th July) Everton hold talks with Rodrigo
Everton hold talks with Rodrigo
Representatives from Everton have held discussions with Rodrigo's agent (and father) Adalberto Machado about a £100,000 a week two year contract. The 32yo is almost certain to leave Elland Road this Summer, following relegation to the Championship, and is weighing up his options.
The Spanish International recently turned down the chance to link up with Victor Orta at Sevilla, and looked set to join Saudi outfit Al Rayyan, until Evertons recent interjection. The Toffee's seem desperate to get their hands on as many Leeds players as possible, which, when you look at their financial position will infuriate the Leeds masses.
Leeds pondering Charlie Taylor return
A transfer window wouldn't be a transfer window without Leeds being linked with former players returning to the fold; and this Summer is no different. Elland Road journalist Phil Hay has stated that with Junior Firpo expecting to depart, they have turned their attention back to Burnley left back Charlie Taylor.
Taylor joined the Leeds Utd Academy as a scholar in 2011, had loan spells at Bradford City, York City, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Fleetwood Town before finally breaking into the first team during Leeds 2014-15 campaign.
He refused to extend his contract in the Summer of 2016, which led to him and Massimo Cellino airing their dirty laundry in public, before leaving a year later. Leeds had the last laugh, as Burnley agreed to pay the Whites £6.5m, when threatened with a tribunal.
A new left back will be a priority
Leeds problems at left back are well documented. Hjelde, Dallas and Wober are all more than
competent in the position, but with wing backs being an integral part of their set up, the club want an experienced proven No 3 on their books.
Taylor, isn't the only left back Leeds are looking at. Ryan Manning is out of contract at Swansea City, and available on a free transfer. The Republic of Ireland ace, 27, is out of contract at the Liberty Stadium and looking for a new club. He's a great passer of the ball, can play almost anywhere on the field, and loves to attack. Last season he netted five times, and contributed ten assists. Sheffield Utd and Southampton are also tracking his progress.
According to the Mail, Leeds are also keeping tabs on Hungarian International Milos Kerkez. The 19yo has been in impressive form since joining AZ Alkmaar from Milan 18 months ago, and at 19, is one for the future. In 53 appearances for the Dutch outfit last season, he scored five times and provided seven assists. He's also on the radar of Bournemouth, Newcastle and Leicester, and has a £20m price tag.
Piroe tops Leeds wanted list
It has been suggested that Swansea City hit-man Joel Piroe is a top target for Leeds Utd this Summer, but have a contingency plan in place, if they lose out on him.
The 23yo Dutchman has only twelve months left on his contract at Swansea City, attracted the attention of Leicester City, Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Everton. He has netted 43 times in two seasons and can operate as a striker or attacking midfielder.
Leeds striking options are limited. Rodrigo looks set to move on this Summer, Bamfords fitness is a cause for concern and Messrs Gelhardt and Joseph are as of yet unproven. Farke see's record signing Georginio Rutter as a wide man, cutting inside from the right, a role he adopted at former club Hoffenheim
Leeds have one eye on Nottingham Forest forgotten man Sam Surridge. The promising 24yo made only one start for the Tricky Trees last season (20 total appearances), netting once. One article dubbed him a "Less injury-prone version of Bamford". Let's hope that doesn't mean he can't score penalties, and misses sitters!