Leeds United are edging towards their third signing of the summer in the form of an experienced midfielder on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth.
The Whites have only managed two signings this summer in the face of many outgoings. Joe Rodon has rejoined Leeds on a permanent basis from Tottenham, while Alex Cairns has rejoined Leeds from Salford.
Leeds need midfielders all over the pitch and one area in need of strengthening was in the middle of the park largely due to sale of Gray, but also Ethan Ampadu’s move from midfield to centre-back last term.
It has left Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara as options at times and even both of those players are being linked with a summer exit, Dortmund eyeing Gruev and Rennes said to be close to agreeing terms with Kamara.
Leeds close to signing boyhood Man United supporter on loan
Bournemouth’s Joe Rothwell is on his way to Elland Road for a medical, according to The Athletic. The 29-year-old joined Bournemouth in 2022, but after 18 months he was back in The Championship last term.
He moved to Southampton in January on loan and helped Russell Martin’s side get over the line in the play-offs. He was an unused sub in the play-off final against Leeds, and Bournemouth will let him go.
The report states that he is close to signing for Leeds and a deal will include a permanent option. He has two years left on his Bournemouth contract but the chances are he has little future at The Vitality.
Tyler Adams has probably pushed Joe Rothwell towards exit
Slightly more attacking than Tyler Adams, Rothwell scored four for the Saints after arriving in January. But the USA skipper’s move from Leeds to Bournemouth pushed Rothwell down the Cherries pecking order.
He once told his old club Blackburn’s website that he is a Manchester United fan having come through their academy and that is one aspect of the transfer to Leeds that the club’s fans will have to accept.
Reaction from supporters is also somewhat subdued, given his addition is hardly one that catches the eye. But Rothwell has huge experience in the Championship and he provides depth under Daniel Farke.
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