Leeds United remain in the hunt for another signing as deals for both Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt move closer.
The Whites appear to be in a good position to wrap up moves for both players in good time before Friday’s 11pm deadline, leaving time for one more marquee arrival.
Tanaka looks as though he will be the first through the door at Elland Road after Leeds reached an agreement with Fortuna Dusseldorf over a £3.4 million fee.
The 25-year-old flew to Leeds this morning to undergo a medical and could swiftly be followed by the addition of Schmidt from St Gallen FC.
Leeds are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with St Gallen over a permanent deal for Schmidt, who is expected to provide cover at full-back.
Journalist shares new update on Leeds’ Roland Sallai pursuit
With both Tanaka and Schmidt costing below the £5 million mark, that should potentially free up funds for Leeds to spend big on one last signing.
Gustavo Hamer and Roland Sallai appear to be the big names on Leeds’ shortlist with reports suggesting a second offer of cash plus Joel Piroe has been rejected by Sheffield United for the former.
Hamer is likely to cost somewhere in excess of £18 million for Leeds to tempt the Blades into selling and so a move for Freiburg’s Sallai could be more cost effective.
And now, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has shared a new update on the state of play at Leeds regarding Tanaka and Sallai.
Tavolieri has confirmed Tanaka is currently at Thorp Arch putting the finishing touches to his move from Germany, while talks remaining ongoing with Freiburg over a deal for Sallai.
He then finished his tweet by suggesting there are ‘some more movements’ being prepared from inside the club, which could mean Leeds are in for an intriguing deadline day.
- READ MORE: Leeds United should try to sign £15m Newcastle player on loan with Max Aarons deal unlikely
Leeds need to go all out for Sallai
Despite Leeds’ clear determination to sign Hamer, it feels like a very difficult deal to do at this late stage of the window.
He is going to cost an extortionate fee for this level and clearly Sheffield United are going to have a difficult time replacing him.
With that in mind, Leeds should instead push the boat out for Sallai, who could be available for just £7.6 million and provide as much quality as Hamer.
Freiburg seem considerably more open to selling than Sheffield United and so hopefully Leeds really focus their attention on the Hungarian.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
