After missing out on Igor Paixao, Leeds United must now look to signing a replacement winger this summer.
It was always deemed unlikely for Leeds United to strike a deal for the Feyenoord winger, as Graham Smyth explained Paixao was Leeds’ hardest deal of the window.
In spite of trying all they could, including compatriot Lucas Perri speaking directly with Paixao on the phone, it proved to be futile. That said, Leeds will continue to seek out ‘reach signings’ like Paixao.
They need a few difference-makers at the top end of the pitch, with a striker, a winger, and an attacking midfielder all in the club’s transfer plans ahead of the deadline next month.
Ben Doak update revealed as West Ham United join race with Leeds
The Athletic’s Beren Cross believes Leeds have pitched to several wingers in recent weeks. As a result of that, we suggested Ben Doak of Liverpool as a loan option for Leeds this month.
Now, he has since emerged as a serious option, per Cross. He states Doak is one winger Leeds have discussed and that sources close to the player and Anfield indicated Leeds have expressed interest in the 19-year-old.
His report adds that Liverpool rejected offers around £20 million for the winger in January and value him around the same amount now.
Cross also writes that not receiving an offer in that range would mean that they are happy to retain him as a squad option this season.
Doak is the right profile for a team like Leeds, even if he is young and not yet tested at the level. He has bags of potential. However, the latest suggests they face competition in the race.
Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell writes that West Ham United are also keen. He adds that the Liverpool youngster won’t come cheap and that Leeds have discussed Doak, but it has not progressed beyond an interest at this stage.
Other interest in Ben Doak but Leeds offered hope on one condition
Doak has other interest, too. Per TBR Football, Crystal Palace have a long-standing interest in the Scottish winger after impressing with Middlesbrough before injury curtailed his campaign.
Bologna and AS Monaco also rate the 19-year-old and have monitored his situation this summer, per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph. However, there is one crucial factor which could go in Leeds’ favour.
Not every team can offer Doak the regular first-team football he desires. Leeds can, and Joseph explains that he is believed to be seeking such opportunities this season.
Doak is looking for the next stage of his development to be somewhere he is utilised on a consistent and frequent basis, and in the right environment. Leeds could offer him that condition more readily than others in the race.
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