‘The one that’s closest’: Manager says £5.5m Leeds target is now on the verge of finalising transfer

Add as preferred source on Google

Rangers manger Michael Beale has claimed Leeds United target Glen Kamara is ‘the one closest’ to sealing a move away from Ibrox.

Beale was speaking to BBC Sport in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s trip to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.

Kamara’s future was among the topics under discussion with the 27-year-old having been widely expected to leave Rangers this summer.

Given he has not been involved at all so far this season, the only surprise is that he has not sealed a departure yet, with Leeds among the sides most heavily linked.

As per the Scottish Sun earlier this week, the two clubs are said to be in ‘advanced talks’ over a deal worth in the region of £5.5 million.

Beale says Kamara is ‘closest’ player to securing Rangers exit

However, that is now the second time an outlet has suggested a move to Leeds is close, with the Fourth Official also having reported the same in July.

Beale has now provided some clarity on the situation, though, confirming that he is now on the verge of leaving the club.

He said: “Glen’s the one that’s closest. We had an honest conversation when I first came back into the club [in December] about Glen’s future and where he saw it. So there’s been no fall out or anything. We were expecting Glen to move this summer – it was his wish as well. There’s no issues with that.

“He has to obviously find the right club, it has to be the right valuation for everyone, because we would be losing a very good player. When you’re very honest on the player’s side that he sees his future elsewhere then, as a coach, you have to move in a different direction. I wasn’t in the mood for persuading anyone to play for Rangers.

“Glen’s been an excellent signing over the time he’s been here. If nothing moves this week then Glen knows he’s here until January – then it’s a different playing field altogether.”

This has been arguably the strangest saga of the summer involving Leeds with a deal clearly there to be done, but for whatever reason they have held off.

One way or another, though, his future will be clarified in the next seven days and given Leeds’ need for a new midfielder, there is still a chance he moves to Elland Road.