Leeds United’s hopes of signing one of their reported transfer targets in January is all but over, as the likes of Borussia Dortmund and more join the race.
Leeds United are ambitious as ever. The Whites are trying to get back to the Premier League and to get there, they need a dose of Premier League quality in their ranks.
There’s been a handful of quality names linked with potential January moves to Elland Road, including the likes of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Aston Villa gem Louie Barry.
But it looks as though Leeds might be beaten to the punch with Celtic eyeing a move for Kelleher, and Aston Villa tipped to potentially keep Barry for the second half of the season.
Elsewhere, Manchester City’s James McAtee has been mentioned. It’s been reported that McAtee is a target for Leeds United in January amid the City midfielder’s lack of game time at the Etihad this season.
But Leeds’ hopes of a potential deal for the 22-year-old have just taken a huge hit.
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Borussia Dortmund and more join race for Leeds United target James McAtee
It’s now been revealed that McAtee has interest from a handful of Premier League clubs, as well as some top European clubs too.
Telegraph journalist James Ducker has reiterated that McAtee has interest from the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace, but that the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Fiorentina are all keen too.
Fiorentina are also keen on Illan Meslier and he and McAtee could yet end up playing together in Serie A in 2025.
Ducker posted on X: ” #MCFC face battle to keep James McAtee next month. #NFFC, #WHUFC, #BrentfordFC, #CPFC & Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund, Leipzig, Fiorentina & Bologna all interested. Midfielder frustrated by lack of playing time despite City troubles & favours Jan exit.”
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Leeds United still have a chance in James McAtee race, but it depends on one thing
Speaking previously, pundit Carlton Palmer suggested that Leeds could be a better fit for McAtee than any Premier League club, as he’d get guaranteed game time at Elland Road.
Palmer explained: “Man City would prefer a Premier League move but he needs to be playing football. Leeds are pushing for automatic promotion, what he needs is to be playing regularly.”
But with McAtee becoming increasingly unsettled, a move to Leeds could depend on whether he wants a permanent or temporary exit in January. Right now, a permanent exit is looking more likely.
It’s claimed that City want £20million for McAtee which would surely put him out of Leeds’ price range, for the time being at least.
Now with the likes of Dortmund and Leverkusen interested, it could all but end Leeds’ hopeful pursuit of McAtee.
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