Leeds United are likely to be busy in the transfer market with a no.10 on top of their agenda and one attacking midfielder the club continues to be linked with is expected to leave his current side.
Leeds failed to bring in a playmaker last summer and it saw Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter both play out of position in the 10 role. Rutter has since made the role his own, even if he did start up top on Sunday.
Archie Gray was used as the no.10 under Daniel Farke on Sunday but there is no natural no.10 in this Leeds side at the moment and it will surely be an area that is addressed whichever division Leeds are in.
One player Leeds continue to be linked with is Celtic star Matt O’Riley, who has just been announced as the Scottish side’s Player of the Season after having a hand in 33 goals, more than Crysencio Summerville.
Leeds made a £10m bid last summer to sign Denmark star O’Riley which was turned down, and reports claim that two of the Premier League’s top six are in talks with Celtic over a move for O’Riley this summer.
Kenny Miller gave his verdict on O’Riley’s future on TalkSPORT (Monday, 7.41AM) after scoring in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Rangers on Saturday, pretty much securing the title for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons.
Kenny Miller expects Leeds target Matt O’Riley to exit in summer
Reports said recently that Leeds would try to sign O’Riley this summer if the club were promoted to the Premier League and while that remains a strong possibility, it feels as if Leeds have little chance of a deal.
Indeed, it feels like more of a missed opportunity for Leeds given they had a chance of getting him last August but failed to meet Celtic’s asking price. Now, Miller has predicted O’Riley will be on the move.
“He was sensational on Saturday. It pains you to say it, but you have got to enjoy seeing a football player like that in our country. He has just grown since he came into the Celtic team. He is so easy on the eye.
“If you add that end product, then it can take your game to another level as a midfielder. There is no doubt that he could be one of the players Brendan might need to replace, no doubt he will have suitors.”
How much will O’Riley cost if Celtic are to sell him this summer
Another reason why Leeds may have been left behind in the race to land the Denmark star is that reports claim O’Riley will cost a whopping £25m or more, which would be a Scottish record after Kieran Tierney.
Leeds will spend and bring in players for decent fees should the club gain promotion back to the Premier League. But the chances of splashing £25m on one player this summer even if promoted, feels unlikely.
Leeds will surely look to solidify what they have which is already a Premier League-standard squad and make a few smart additions for the right money here or there and O’Riley is just too expensive a player.