Leeds are on the hunt for a new defender.
Joe Rodon remains sidelined after damaging his ankle during the 1-1 draw at Sunderland, while Sebastiaan Bornauw is keen to play more elsewhere in fear of missing out on a World Cup spot with Belgium.
Several names are said to be on the shortlist, with Leeds exploring a deal for Danilho Doekhi and also holding talks with RB Leipzig over El Chadaille Bitshiabu.
Now, however, Manchester United are considering a bid to sign the latter and rival Leeds for his signature – according to L’Equipe.
Manchester United monitoring Leeds United target El Chadaille Bitshiabu and could submit a bid
Despite not having a manager after Ruben Amorim was sacked following the 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Sunday, Manchester United are pushing ahead with recruitment plans.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu from RB Leipzig is the wrong signing for Leeds in the transfer window – Agree or disagree? 💰
Leeds remain short on options in attack
The French news outlet believe those at Old Trafford primarily want a new central defender, with very few options to call upon behind Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez.
It comes after TEAMtalk claimed that Leeds are in talks to sign Bitshiabu from RB Leipzig as the Frenchman aims to play more football, having made just one start in the Bundesliga so far this season.
Leeds would presumably view the 20-year-old as a backup option initially behind Pascal Struijk, Jaka Bijol, Rodon and Bornauw, however.
So, we presume Manchester United have a decent chance of winning the race for Bitshiabu – who RB Leipzig signed from PSG for €20m (£17m) in July 2023 – if they decide to promise him a regular place in the starting XI.
L’Equipe add that Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco and Lyon are also considering moves for the RB Leipzig outcast, so Leeds need to be quick if they really are set on signing the man born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges.
Danilho Doekhi deal now makes even more sense for Leeds United
We always felt Doekhi was a more suitable target compared to Bitshiabu.
The Dutchman has been playing regularly for Union Berlin this season as the Frenchman struggles for playing time, making 18 appearances and impressively scoring six goals from the back to catch the attention of Leeds.
Doekhi can be one of Farke’s best signings – do you agree? 🧱
Furthermore, Doekhi has been playing in a 3-5-2 shape like Daniel Farke uses at Leeds, and he is also familiar with Brenden Aaronson and Pascal Struijk, so there are many reasons why he should be able to settle down in Yorkshire quickly.
From a financial aspect too, the Union Berlin No.5 is out of contract soon and therefore available for a cut-price fee this month, with nobody else currently providing competition to Leeds for his signature. A sum of £11.3m has been mentioned.
Contrastingly, many clubs are obviously chasing Bitshiabu, and a bidding war would surely take his price well beyond anything close to £11m, so Doekhi now makes even more sense for Leeds to pursue.
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