If Leeds United are going to be able to spend big this summer, then the club will have to sprinkle a few loan signings or free agents into the mix to supplement the big-money moves.
The club need to sign 8-10 players this summer. A goalkeeper, a centre-back, a couple of full-backs, two or three new midfielders, a no.10, Manor Solomon or another winger and a proven centre-forward.
To improve this squad, Leeds would have to sign players in the £20m-£30m bracket. But of course, the club cannot do that 10 times over – it is too much cash to splash, and would break PSR guidelines.
So, Leeds need to spend big on their top-priority players but add in a few loan deals and possibly some players available on a free. Leeds have already been linked with plenty of potential free agent deals.
David Ornstein delivers update on Newcastle’s Callum Wilson
Leeds are eyeing a move for Callum Wilson, who as things stand, will leave Newcastle on a free transfer at the end of the season. Eddie Howe commented on his future on Sunday after he left the pitch in tears.
That suggested the nine-time England international would leave Newcastle this summer, after five years at the club. Wilson says he remains hungry and feels he can make an impact, amid interest from Leeds.
However, David Ornstein has delivered a surprise update on The Athletic’s website. He reports that The Toon have chosen not to trigger the 12-month extension in his £110,000-a-week contract on Tyneside.
But, that Newcastle have decided to offer Wilson a completely new contract, one that is more incentive-based in an attempt to keep him but at the same time, reduce his base salary given the enormity of it.
Ornstein’s update comes as a blow in Leeds’ pursuit of Wilson
Leeds need a striker, but possibly two. Real Betis could make a move for Mateo Joseph at the end of the month and Patrick Bamford is still generating interest – even if Wrexham have decided against a move.
Leeds may need to sign more than just one big striker, with plenty being linked. Spending big on one and then signing a player like Wilson to compete would make sense, but now he will surely stay at Newcastle.
The Toon have qualified for the Champions League and even though he would remain back-up to Alex Isak, Wilson will surely be tempted to sign new terms with Howe’s side given the emotion he has shown.
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