The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 17th June) Leeds willing to negotiate with Spurs over Gray
Good Morning. It's Monday 17th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds willing to negotiate with Spurs over Gray
Leeds Utd journalist Conor McGilligan has intimated that Leeds are willing to sit down and negotiate with Spurs regarding the sale of Archie Gray, but only if they are willing to participate in a swap deal, and it's not Joe Rodon! According to the Leeds Live reporter, Daniel Farke is an admirer of versatile midfielder Oliver Skipp, who was largely a squad player last season, starting just five games. The 23yo operates as a defensive midfielder, and is known for his ability to break up play and win the ball, similar to Ilia Gruev, who Leeds have already rejected offers for over the past several weeks.
Spurs value Skipp at around £15m, which should mean Leeds should come out of the deal at least £20m richer. He came through the Spurs academy, and represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U21 level. Last season was supposed to be his breakthrough season, but it never materialised! Leeds are of the mindset that they want sell players before splashing out too much this Summer, but the lack of firm interest (so far) in Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville may force Leeds to part with their 18yo prodigy.
According to McGilligan, Leeds have perhaps lost some interest in Rodon due to his £12m - £15m price tag, and Premier League attention from the three promoted clubs from the Championship last season.
Could Leeds revive their interest in Aarons
Leeds could revive their interest in Max Aarons, after a season to forget at the Vitality Stadium. The 24 year old, who played for four years under Daniel Farke at Norwich came desperately close to joining the Whites last August, but walked out of his Thorp Arch medical, after getting a call saying the Cherries were after him.
Hours later Bournemouth wrapped up his £12m sale, leaving Leeds shell-shocked, and the Elland Road faithfuls enraged. The former England U21 International never found his form, and gradually fell down the pecking order. Since the turn of the year, he has only made eight appearances, many as substitute. Bournemouth have now decided to cut their losses, and make him available for transfer. Leeds need a right-back but will the gaffer forgive him. If anyone is to get the max out of Aarons (see what I did there), its going to be Farke!
Whites will need to gazump Clarets to land Midfield Ace
Various media outlets suggest Leeds will fight it out with Burnley for the services of Sky Blues Midfielder Callum O'Hare, who is out of contract this Summer. The 26 year old attacking midfielder has attracted the attention of many Championship clubs (and moderate interest from Southampton), but his destination looks set to be determined by either Leeds or Burnley - and which one can offer the former Aston Villa rookie the most attractive deal.
Leeds have already recalled Brenden Aaronson back from his loan spell with Hertha Berlin, but with mounting interest in Archie Gray and Ilia Gruev, Leeds could definitely do with someone of O'Hare's experience.