Football website 90Min claim Leeds United have beaten the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Sheffield United to the signing of Chelsea outcast Ethan Ampadu – with a £7m deal expected to be announced this week.
Ampadu, 22, has returned to Chelsea after four consecutive season-long loan spells at Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia. He is back at Stamford Bridge, but his £37k-a-week Chelsea contract is due to expire in 2024.
Fabrizio Romano has reported this morning that Ampadu is on the verge of joining Leeds in a £7m transfer, with a medical pencilled in for the 43-time Wales star. Personal terms between Ampadu and Leeds have also been done.
While it seems as though Leeds have swooped and everything was smooth, it seems that actually – Leeds have beaten plenty of clubs to his signing, including Premier League sides Fulham, Burnley and Sheffield United.
It sees Leeds beat Heckingbottom, while also seeing off interest from another ex-Leeds man in Carlos Corberan – with West Brom keen. Coventry also wanted Ampadu. But he is set to move to Elland Road in the coming weeks.
Leeds beat likes of West Brom and Sheffield United to Ampadu signing
Hopefully, Ampadu opens the flood gates. Leeds not only need a signing in the form of Ampadu, but a goalkeeper too. A left-sided defender with Junior Firpo likely to go. Another midfielder, a no.10 and possibly a new striker.
So, there is plenty of work to be done. Ampadu is an excellent start but new signings are needed on top of the Wales ace. Whether or not the Whites can get some more signings in before August 6, remains to be seen.
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