Leeds might end up relying on other clubs to help open some doors in this transfer window.
Clubs are often reluctant to sell key players in the midst of a season, so a lot can depend on what happens elsewhere.
For example, West Ham completing the signings of two new strikers in Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos could now push Callum Wilson to Leeds – as the Hammers prepare to let the England international leave.
Now, another London-based club could help Leeds in Crystal Palace, whose decision to send Romain Esse on loan to Coventry improves the chances of Daniel Farke landing Tyrique George.
Romain Esse to Coventry should bolster chances of Leeds United landing Tyrique George
The Athletic believe the England U21 international is heading to Coventry on loan from Crystal Palace, and Oliver Glasner practically confirmed the story in his press conference on Tuesday.
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Fulham almost got him for £22m
The Austrian said: “It’s better for him. We talked together. It’s finding the best environment for him as a player, to reignite his career.
“I still believe in his talent but I didn’t have the feeling that he brings to the team what we actually need. Right now, his way of playing didn’t exactly (provide) what we needed at the moment. That’s why it’s better for him to go on loan and get more minutes and develop.”
It comes after respected journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Coventry had made a move to sign George from Chelsea as the Sky Blues aim to stay on top of the Championship.
Frank Lampard is surely out of the picture for Leeds United now
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It would be SO sweet if he helps us survive while Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe take West Ham down 🤣
A story from TEAMtalk claimed that Leeds want George to bolster the attacking options available to Farke, sensing a deal is possible as Chelsea regularly leave the England U21 international out of their Premier League squad.
However, the fact Crystal Palace are now handing Coventry a new attacker in Esse means Lampard no longer has a need for the Chelsea wonderkid.
To add to that point, Coventry are also taking another forward in Yang Min-hyeok on loan from Tottenham, which firmly suggests Leeds will no longer be troubled by Lampard in the battle to sign George.
Some might scoff at the mere notion Coventry had any chance in the first place, but Lampard’s strong relationship with Chelsea meant the Championship leaders were always a threat worth taking seriously.
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