The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 24th June) - Leeds Plot Bundesliga Champions Raid for Hotshot Striker
Good Morning. It's Monday 23rd June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds plot raid on Bundesliga Champions for hotshot Striker
Leeds are keeping close tabs on Bayer Leverkusen striker Adam Hlozek, according to the back pages of the papers. The 21 year old, who is currently away at the Euro's with the Czech Republic, is available for the bargain price of just £12m, according to the Sunday Mirror. He netted seven times, and provided four assists in 952 minutes of game time for the German Champions last season.
He possesses the technical skills and physical stature (6ft 2') to be a game changer at Championship level. Interestingly, Hlozek is one of several physical options Leeds have been linked with in recent days. Perhaps the club are looking to invest in a big target man, to give Farke more options up front? West Ham have also enquired about the versatile forward (who can play attacking midfielder left or centre, or up front as a lone striker) but will not be guaranteed the amount of game time he'll get at Leeds.
Leeds concede defeat over Rodon deal
Leeds have all but conceded defeat in their pursuit of Joe Rodon, after growing speculation that the 26yo could be used as part of a swap deal, involving Southampton midfielder Charly Alcaraz. With Leicester City and Ipswich Town also pursuing the Welshman, the chances of him returning to the Championship diminish by the day, not to mention his fee.
Theoretically, the Whites could splash out £12m on a marquee signing this Summer, but it will be for a game changer, not a centre-back, however good he was for us last season. Technical Director Gretar Steinsson will be gutted not to land Rodon, but I wouldn't be shocked to see other Tottenham fringe players joining us on loan this Summer. The former Icelandic defender held a similar role with Spurs, prior to joining the Whites last Summer, but still enjoys a close working relationship with them.
Forest table £16.9m bid for Gnonto
Nottingham Forest have tabled a £16.9m bid for wantaway winger Wilfred Gnonto, according to various articles in the press over the weekend. Gnonto, 20, is one of several players tipped to leave Elland Road this Summer as Leeds look to balance their books, and rebuild for the season ahead. Whilst the offer represents over a 400% profit on what they forked out (£3.8m) on transfer Deadline Day 2022, but is well short of the £30m price tag the club slapped on him (rumoured) at the end of April!
There are several players at the City Ground that Leeds may be interested in. They made enquiries into defensive duo Joe Worrall and Neco Williams in January, but for whatever reason, it didn't progress. The Midland outfit have a massive squad. They used 33 players last season, and will surely be looking to offload before they buy! Napoli, Everton and even AC Milan are also rumoured to be interested, but at this stage Nuno Espírito Santo's side are the only club to put their money where their mouths are!