Leeds United decide they won’t be signing £20m player after showing initial interest

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Leeds United may be out in Germany for their pre-season tour, but that does not mean work has stopped behind-the-scenes on potential transfers.

The Whites have brought in four new players so far this summer and alongside two comfortable friendly victories, it has been a very positive window at Elland Road, despite the exit of Archie Gray.

With Alex Cairns having come in as a third-choice goalkeeper, Leeds’ other three additions have all addressed areas in the squad that were in need of strengthening.

Joe Rodon’s arrival was signing number one and arguably the most important to get over the line after his loan spell last season, while Joe Rothwell will add more of a goal threat from midfield.

Jayden Bogle, meanwhile, is the overlapping full-back Leeds have been missing since prime Luke Ayling, proving as such with an assist in the friendly against Hannover.

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Truth revealed behind Leeds’ interest in Sammie Szmodics

Daniel Farke confirmed after Wednesday’s pre-season win over Hannover that both central midfield and full-back remain areas of priority.

However, if Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto both depart, then Leeds will have to enter the market again for attacking reinforcements.

One player linked with a move to Elland Road earlier this week was Blackburn Rovers’ Sammie Szmodics, with reports suggesting Leeds had ‘formalised’ their interest.

‘Sources’ at Leeds were then quick to shut that down but a new report from the Lancashire Telegraph has revealed the truth behind exactly what happened.

It is said Leeds did show an interest in Szmodics earlier this week but unlike Ipswich Town, never made a formal offer and so have moved onto other targets.

It would not be a surprise if news of Blackburn’s £20 million price tag for Szmodics is what ended Leeds’ pursuit before it had even started.

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Leeds dodge £20 million Szmodics bullet

Szmodics certainly would have been an asset to this Leeds side after his 27-goal haul last season, but in truth, he is not what they needed.

At 28, Szmodics would have very little in the way of resale value in the future and if Leeds do get stuck in the Championship again, he is not the type of playing splashing £20 million on would be wise for.

What’s more, Szmodics is neither an out-and-out number nine or 10 and so would’ve been offering up another Joel Piroe-like situation in that he does not really fit in the system.

It will be interesting to see what sort of budget Leeds have reserved if they need to enter the market for marquee attackers based on their interest in Szmodics.