Report: Seven clubs want for ‘phenomenal’ Leeds man including Newcastle, West Ham

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Graeme Bailey says Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are among the clubs looking to raid Leeds United for right-back Cody Drameh ahead of the January window – with seven teams mentioned as showing interest.

Drameh, 20, went on loan to Cardiff City during the second half of last season. It was against the wishes of Marcelo Bielsa but it worked. He won Cardiff’s Player of the Season award – branded “phenomenal” by ex-boss Steve Morison.

He returned to the club in the summer, but Drameh continues to struggle for game time at Elland Road. The signing of Rasmus Kristensen has pushed both Drameh and Luke Ayling down the pecking order. The Dane is first choice.

Ayling has come off the bench here and there. It has seen Drameh manage just two appearances. Once in the Premier League, a 5-2 loss to Brentford and the 3-1 win over Barnsley in the Cup. So, Drameh might be waiting for January.

Transfer expert Bailey told TeamTalk that Newcastle, Palace and West Ham are keen on keeping him in the Premier League. Championship sides Middlesbrough and Norwich are also keen – as are Dortmund and Leipzig, abroad.

“Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace see him as one for the future. Middlesbrough and Norwich I am told, also like him. He does have options abroad – I am told they are plentiful. Dortmund and Leipzig and clubs in France and Italy.”

Newcastle and West Ham among clubs looking to raid Leeds for Drameh

It is a tricky one. Drameh is a top, top talent. A player with seven senior appearances for the Whites, and England youth caps. His form at Cardiff last season was sensational. But, he finds himself in a position where he needs senior minutes.

If he was a midfielder, he would be getting it. If he was a left-back, he might have been a regular. Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are starting, Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood are rotational options. Drameh is an outcast.

That is purely because he can only play in one position and in that one area, Leeds are well-stocked. It is an unlucky position for Drameh, and for Leeds. Because, we will probably have to wave goodbye to a top talent – but it is right.