Leeds United are busy trying to bring a couple of new signings to the club before Friday’s deadline and Graham Smyth has predicted how many the club could make before 11pm tomorrow.
Georginio Rutter’s move to Brighton angered supporters and Daniel Farke instantly tried to appease those of a Leeds persuasion that the club would attempt to make four new signings before Friday.
Two have been done, so far. Largie Ramazani has arrived from Almeria for a £10m fee as a replacement for Crysencio Summerville, while Manor Solomon has joined on loan from Tottenham in what is a coup.
A left-back and a goalscoring midfielder remain on the agenda. Reports in Germany say Dusseldorf’s Japan star Ao Tanaka could arrive at Leeds in the ‘next few hours’, with Leeds fans checking flight tracker.
Smyth predicts three new signings including ‘leader’ Tanaka
It is believed Tanaka is keen on a move to Elland Road, having been linked with Leeds regularly over the last 12 months. A player that has been compared to superstar Jude Bellingham, described as a “leader”.
He is set to arrive as a much cheaper option than Gustavo Hamer, with Leeds told to pay £18m for the Sheffield United star. Graham Smyth predicts the signing of Tanaka, a full-back and maybe, a new no.10.
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief Leeds writer said: “Prediction? Tanaka, a FB and have a hunch they still do another. A 10 hopefully.”
Who could Leeds genuinely sign in the next 48 hours?
The state of play, then. At full-back, Leeds want Max Aarons but Bournemouth do not want to lose him, and are unwilling to do a loan. Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News a deal would cost north of £15m.
Smyth has ruled out a move for Owen Wijndal, leaving a full-back up in the air. Hamer looks like he may cost too much and Tanaka looks much more likely, while Roland Sallai is being strongly linked with Leeds.
The Hungary star is in the final year of his deal but a move looks tricky at this late stage, given Freiburg are likely to want to replace him before selling. However, they will not want to lose Sallai for nothing.
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