Leeds want seven additions this summer including Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow

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The Mail have claimed (p68, 26/07) that Leeds United want to make seven signings this summer including Ethan Ampadu and reportedly imminent arrival Karl Darlow – along with two central defenders, midfielders and a striker.

Ampadu, 22, became the club’s first summer signing, joining for an initial £7m from Chelsea plus a further £3m in add-ons. He eases the club’s lack of midfielders, after losing Weston McKennie, Adam Forshaw and Marc Roca.

Tyler Adams remains, while Archie Gray and Darko Gyabi are likely to come through. Darlow comes in in goal, with Illan Meslier now likely to depart. Kris Klaesson is expected to be promoted to the role as the club’s no.2 stopper.

Leeds need additions at centre-back after losing Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Max Wober – who is set for Gladbach on a loan deal. Current options include Charlie Cresswell, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk.

So, a goalkeeper is done in Darlow. Two more centre-backs, another midfielder alongside Ampadu, a winger and a striker. Looks as if, then, Leeds will be much more busy in August than they have been during the month of July.

Leeds want seven signings including Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow

The report claims that Leeds continue to have eyes on Liverpool’s Nat Phillips, but a move can only materialise if Leeds stump up £10m. He could be one of two centre-back arrivals. Up front, Swansea’s Joel Piroe is also named.

A winger is an interesting one. Leeds have currently; Luis Sinisterra, Willy Gnonto, Ian Poveda, Helder Costa, Cree Summerville, Dan James and Jack Harrison. Obviously, three or four of those seven players are expected to go.

But a winger is hardly a priority with Sinisterra, James and possibly Summerville looking likely to remain. What the report does not mention is the need for a no.10 after Brenden Aaronson’s exit, and a replacement for Junior Firpo.