Leeds United’s push for Bilal El Khannouss is not completely dead this summer, with the Leicester City playmaker remaining a transfer target up to the deadline.
Bilal El Khannouss has had plenty of transfer interest throughout Europe, including from more than one Premier League club as well as Leeds United.
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| KRC Genk | 94 | 4 | 14 |
| Leicester City | 39 | 3 | 7 |
| Morocco | 22 | 1 | 2 |
At one stage, Leeds’ Bilal El Khannouss interest was the most significant of any of the reported teams in the mix. It’s also been reported Leicester are also likely to sell El Khannous in this window after their relegation.
Leeds have had to pivot from Igor Paixao and Facundo Buonanotte but they are eyeing a more creative spark for the final third to bring the best out of their other attackers to knit everything together.
Leeds United told Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss asking price
Crystal Palace have been seriously keen on El Khannouss and see him as a potential Eberechi Eze replacement, with David Ornstein confirming Palace’s El Khannouss attempts had ramped up a week ago.
Then, another twist, as El Khannouss’ move to Selhurst Park stalled. Now, Palace have pulled out of the race for Leicester’s playmaker altogether.
That hasn’t meant Leeds have jumped to the head of the queue yet, as Tottenham Hotspur have had recent El Khannouss interest. However, Spurs’ capture of Xavi Simons should put an end to any talk surrounding the Leicester ace.
Instead, Leeds have reopened El Khannouss talks as their primary target ahead of the transfer deadline, as Leeds United News exclusively revealed. That follows Buonanotte’s loan move from Brighton collapsing.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Patrick Berger has revealed the latest. He says El Khannouss is on the list of several European clubs, including VfB Stuttgart after Nick Woltemade’s departure.
He adds that El Khannouss‘ €22 million release clause has already expired and Leicester now demand up to €40 million (£35 million). He states that it is one to watch until deadline day.
Late West Ham United interest in El Khannouss has also emerged in recent days, highlighting that this won’t be an easy deal for Leeds to complete still.
Leicester’s view of Bilal El Khannouss
Despite starring with two assists in their opening game, El Khannouss has not been involved much for Leicester this season — amid uncertainty growing over his future.
El Khannouss was not involved at all during Leicester’s 2-0 win over Birmingham City last night. He was also left out against Charlton Athletic by Marti Cifuenetes.
They are evidently open to selling if the right fee is agreed. For Leicester, it was 17-year-old Louis Page who started against Birmingham, laying on an assist in the process.
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