Leicester City boss issues Bilal El Khannouss update amid Leeds United and Newcastle interest

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Leeds United’s Premier League opener against Everton is now just five days away, with The Toffees showing intent in the transfer market ahead of the Elland Road bout with the signing of Jack Grealish.

Leeds, meanwhile, have failed to make a single signing since July 26. The club’s £15.6m signing of Lucas Perri remains the last incoming deal, with Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph since leaving Leeds on loan.

Leeds remain in the market for attacking options with the club targeting a starting striker and a left-sided winger. Rodrigo Muniz, Artem Dovbyk and Nico Gonzalez look to be the players Leeds currently want.

Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, too. It is believed Leeds have held talks with El Khannouss’ camp and the latest reports say El Khannouss is set to cost interested parties a whopping £29m fee this summer.

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Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes on Bilal El Khannouss’ future

On Sunday, El Khannouss showed what he is capable of. The 21-year-old provided both assists, both from set-pieces, as Leicester came from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday. It has seen others show interest.

Newcastle have stepped up their interest in El Khannouss, while Graham Smyth says El Khannouss is open to a move to Leeds. Now, Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes has discussed El Khannouss’ Leicester future.

Speaking to Leicestershire Live, he admits that El Khannouss could go: “You have to understand there is the reality in terms of the value the market gives to certain players. We have these kinds of conversations.

“All good players will attract interest. It’s not just about Bilal, who is an excellent player. He did very well providing the two assists. But the process will always be the same,” new Leicester boss Cifuentes said.

“If someone leaves, it is my job to try to see how we can use our strengths and quality. If I think we need something, I will look into the academy to find a player who can do this role. If not, we go to the market.”

Bilal El Khannouss and Brenden Aaronson compared, the numbers

While El Khannouss largely played out wide for Leicester during the 2024-25 campaign, he is naturally a no.10 and showed that on Sunday. Ultimately, he is a player who can play anywhere in the final third.

If El Khannouss is signed, he will provide cover out wide but mainly, competition for the club’s only 10 which is Brenden Aaronson. Both players have managed just one season in the Premier League, so far.

Aaronson v El Khannouss in the Premier League:

Both players played in poor sides, and share a lot of similarities. But the stats prove that El Khannouss enjoyed slightly more success than Leeds’ current first-choice no.10. Leeds might not even play with a 10.