Championship rivals confirm transfer for ‘talented’ Leeds United target who snubbed Elland Road move

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Leeds United are preparing for a return to Championship action this week, but their business in the transfer window is far from over.

The Whites have endured a tough summer so far, with Daniel Farke losing some stars who were key for last season’s push for promotion.

Archie Gray has made the switch to Tottenham in a deal worth £40million, while Crysencio Summerville is the latest Leeds exit, joining West Ham.

The duo have helped raise significant funds for the club, though reinvestment has been slow so far this window.

Joe Rodon finally made the permanent switch from Spurs along with Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United, while Joe Rothwell has joined on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth.

The search for a winger continues as Jonathan Rowe has been linked with a move to Leeds.

However, when it comes to other transfer targets, it appears as though the Elland Road outfit have missed out to one of their Championship rivals.

Alfie Gilchrist joins Sheffield United over Leeds

Chelsea starlet Alfie Gilchrist has been linked with a move to Leeds over the summer transfer window in search of senior first-team minutes.

The 20-year-old is a versatile defender, who is capable of playing as a centre-back or as a right-back in the backline.

Gilchrist made 17 appearances for Chelsea across the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, earning a breakthrough campaign with his impressive performances.

The next step was for a loan move, with Leeds labelled as one of the teams showing interest in the youngster.

However, it’s their rivals Sheffield United who have secured a deal, which has been announced by the club.

“The loan market tends to be one which intensifies later in the window, so we accepted we would have to wait a little longer if we wanted our top targets,” Blades boss Chris Wilder said in a club statement.

“Alfie was always one of those players who featured high on our wanted list.

“Everyone in the game is aware of Alfie and his abilities, so our pitch to him, and Chelsea, had to be spot on.

“There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to get this deal through, and we’re looking forward to working with a really talented player.

“Alfie’s had a taste of playing at the highest level, and having spoken to him, he’s keen to get more games under his belt.

“He’s ready to take the next opportunity in his career and we’re delighted to have added him to our squad.”

With Leeds expected to battle it out with Sheffield United for promotion from the Championship, it’s an interesting move for the Whites to keep an eye on.

Did Leeds United need Alfie Gilchrist?

While Leeds appeared to miss out on a move for Gilchrist, it brings about a question of whether they needed the defender to begin with.

With the addition of Bogle to Sam Byram, the right-back position is already well-stocked for the season ahead.

In central defence, the return of Rodon and Max Wober has bolstered the options of Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu.

While there’s a chance to add another centre-back, pitching a backup role to a Premier League club for a promising youngster may be tough to do.

It may not be a huge boost to Leeds in that Gilchrist has strengthened a rival of theirs, but it may have been a deal that wouldn’t have worked out for them anyway.