The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 20th June) Leeds eyeing Red Bull Striker
Good Morning. It's Thursday 20th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds eyeing Red Bull Striker
Leeds are eyeing up a deal with Red Bull Salzburg for their 20yo forward Petar Ratkov, who is currently away on International duty with Serbia at the Euro's. He joined Salzburg last Summer for €5m, penning a five year contract; but twelve months on, the Admiral Bundesliga Runners-up are willing to cash in on him after a steady season after scoring five times in 24 appearances.
Ratkov is a massive unit, he's 6 ft 4', very good in the air and is described as a physically strong and intelligent centre-forward. He would certainly give Daniel Farke options he didn't have last season. Salzburg are looking to recoup £4m from the deal, which has attracted the attention of Rangers.
Leeds set fee for Summerville as interest grows
Leeds will reportedly demand £35m, plus significant add-on fees for the services of Crysencio Summerville this Summer. The 22yo is generating interest from Brighton, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace with more clubs expected to come out of the woodwork, after the Seagulls became the first club to show their hand!
£35m would be fantastic business for the Whites, and would go a long way to clear their immediate debts relating to financial fair play. It has been reported that Leeds needed to raise £75m this Summer, but that does not take into account the sales of Tyler Adams (£20m) and Luis Sinisterra (£20m). Summerville has two years left on his Elland Road deal, so sacrificing him makes perfect sense.
O'Hare could be the perfect signing for Leeds - Hutton
Former player turned pundit Alan Hutton has told 'Football Insider' that former team mate Callum O'Hare could be the perfect signing for Leeds this Summer. The 26yo midfielder is out of contract at Coventry City this Summer, and hotly tipped to join the Whites, ahead of a host of Championship and top flight clubs. He started his career at Aston Villa, progressing through their youth ranks, before breaking through to the first team aged just 17. Hutton describes O'Hare as an exciting player, technically gifted, and can also score goals, something sadly missing from the Leeds midfield last season.
He fits the bill that Leeds like, he’s an exciting player. “Especially if they’re going to lose somebody like Summerville or Rutter who could possibly be leaving this summer as well. They’re going to need to bring somebody in to replace these guys. I know Callum O’Hare well, I’ve played alongside him when I was at Villa. He’s very technically gifted, he’s got an eye for a pass and he can score goals, and he’s still at a good age and he’s got experience at this level. “I think that is something Leeds are definitely looking at and he suits them well.