Leicester City are reportedly one of the sides ready to rival Leeds United for the signing of Joe Rodon.
Speculation over the race for his signature has been mounting over the last couple of weeks and Leeds will have to battle against Premier League clubs in order to sign him.
In fact, all three of the sides who pipped Leeds to promotion have been mentioned as potential destinations, with Kieran McKenna and Steve Cooper both big fans of the player.
Cooper was announced as the new Leicester boss on Thursday afternoon and not only is he a fellow Welsh compatriot of Rodon’s, but also someone he has previously managed.
The two worked together for one season while at Swansea City, until Rodon earned his big Premier League move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he still officially remains now.
What Cooper has previously said about Leeds target Rodon
Leeds still very much remain in the hunt for Rodon but the key to them winning the race will be down to the player himself, given how much he enjoyed his time at the club.
Leeds have a couple of advantages in that sense, but at the same time, Premier League football and finance talks.
What’s more, Leicester could also hand Rodon the opportunity to play under a manager he worked well with in the past, which would make it easier for him to make the transition.
During their time together in South Wales, Cooper made no secret of the fact he is a huge fan of Rodon and that can only be bad news from Leeds’ perspective.
Via swanseacity.com, he said: “I think Joe is a big player for us. He has had a very good start to the season, and the exciting thing with Joe is he is only going to get better. I really believe in his potential.
“He is a right-footed centre-back playing on the left, which just shows his quality of how he can play with the ball. He is taking great responsibility, with and without the ball, and he is only going to grow in this environment.
“I think he is a really good player and I am enjoying working with him. He loves Swansea, he loves playing for the football club. He is proud to represent the club – those are his words not mine – and he is giving his all day in and day out.
“It’s a real honour to work with him and the guys every day as they only want to improve and support their team-mates. Joe is a fantastic example of that. If he keeps going as he only good things will happen for him with club and country.”
Leeds cannot be ruled out of Rodon race
As mentioned, Leeds certainly do remain in with a shout of winning the race for Rodon, but it will be down to him behind-the-scenes to push for a move.
LeedsUnited.News spoke exclusively to transfer insider Graeme Bailey earlier this week about the current state of play regarding Leeds’ interest, and claimed they definitely cannot be ruled out yet.
He said: “Spurs are putting it out there about the other clubs. Being on loan at Leeds he wouldn’t be losing any money. Is he going to get the Spurs contract at Leicester, Ipswich or Southampton? Possibly.
“But I wouldn’t rule Leeds out at this point but obviously clearly Spurs would rather sell. Are Leeds in a position to buy him outright? They could but it’s a risk if they don’t go up, then Rodon would have to take a hit.
“It’ll come down to the player. I think it’ll be tough for Leeds given the other three can offer first team football in the Premier League. It is going to be a tough sell for Leeds but I wouldn’t rule them out completely by any stretch.”
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