Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto continue to be the most highly sought after players in Leeds United’s squad.
The Whites did extremely well to keep them both this time 12 months ago, but after a failed promotion attempt, it feels likely they will be on their way out this time around.
On deadline day last summer, Summerville was the subject of a £20 million offer from Burnley that was turned down.
Given the clubs that are now interested in him, coupled with Burnley’s relegation, Summerville will be delighted he stayed for another season at Elland Road. However, the ‘understanding’ between all parties now is that he is likely to go, with Summerville’s camp keen to secure the best possible deal for Leeds.
Gnonto, meanwhile, was the subject of four failed offers from Everton a year ago. The Toffees are once again keen on prising him to Merseyside, and are growing in confidence a deal will be done.
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What Leeds have been doing behind-the-scenes in preparation
It is now common knowledge that Leeds have been ‘extensively’ scouring the market for winger targets in the event one or both go.
Leeds have already lost Jaidon Anthony, too, and so it would be daft to end the summer losing three of last season’s wide options, without bringing at least two in.
One player who has been mentioned as a potential target is Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, though Premier League side Southampton are determined to get a deal done.
Blackburn Rovers’ Sammie Szmodics is also a concrete target, though he would be more of a replacement for their goals, rather than necessarily like-for-like.
Amid those links, the Yorkshire Evening Post have today provided an update on Leeds’ search for contingency plans to Summerville and Gnonto.
It is said that Leeds have already identified who they will move for, and are ‘primed’ to push the button on pursuing them in the event one or both move on. It is good to see they are well prepared.
Who should Leeds move for?
Leeds would be doing themselves a disservice if they did not get at least £50 million combined for their pair of their talismanic wingers.
Given they have already sold Archie Gray for £40 million, as well as a number of others, they should have plenty of cash to spend.
Palace’s Rak-Sakyi on loan would be a brilliant replacement for Gnonto on the right, and would actually provide Leeds with a better balance due to his ability to cut in onto his stronger left foot.
A loan would, of course, be a cheaper way of replacing Gnonto on the right, and should in theory allow them to go big on a left-winger, which is arguably more important given Summerville’s contribution.
One player who would be a real statement is Sunderland’s Jack Clarke, and at a reported asking price of £18 million, is available for less than what Summerville will go for.
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