Leeds United have today been linked with a move for a new attacker loved by one of 49ers Enterprises’ 2023 managerial targets.
The summer transfer window does not officially open until June 14 but that is not to say work is not going on behind-the-scenes so Leeds can hit the ground running.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has already come out and made Leeds’ intentions for the window ahead clear, insisting money will be available to spend and that they will build a squad ready to go one better than last season.
Marathe is coming up to the one-year anniversary of his time as the main man at Elland Road, with the 49ers‘ full buyout having been officially rubber-stamped in July last year.
The delay regarding that takeover, as well as the quest to appoint a new manager, is ultimately what slowed Leeds down in the window 12 months ago. They will be eager to avoid a repeat of those mistakes.
What former 49ers target Scott Parker has said about Leeds-linked Bobby De Cordova-Reid
49ers spent a considerable amount of time looking for the right managerial appointment last summer, before eventually opting for two-time Championship winner Daniel Farke.
Scott Parker and Patrick Vieira were two of the other candidates in which they interviewed, with the former still yet to find a new position since leaving Club Brugge beforehand.
His previous two spells in management saw him in charge at Fulham and Bournemouth, winning promotion to the Premier League with both sides.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid was one of his key men during his time at Craven Cottage and is now reportedly a target of Leeds‘ as he prepares to leave Fulham on a free transfer.
Parker spoke extremely highly of the 31-year-old during their time together, which could bode well if he does make the move to Leeds.
As per the Alloa Advertiser, he said: “Bobby’s been immense. He’s been fantastic really. When he came into the football club last year it was a main driver for me in terms of getting him in.
“Everything you see with Bobby on the football pitch and the way he conducts himself on it and around it is nothing short of superb really, an unbelievable professional and he deserves to be where he is.
“I’m pleased he’s taken to the Premier League the way he has. Scoring goals, he’s got a great knack of getting himself into positions and looking for a goal. He’s been pivotal for us and our success so far this year and the turnaround and there’s still loads more to come from him.”
Leeds reportedly set to target free agent De Cordova-Reid
LeedsUnited.News mentioned De Cordova-Reid as someone the club should target on a free transfer, and it would appear they are.
The 31-year-old had been in talks over a new deal at Fulham but they are now reported to have stalled, leaving him free to speak to other clubs.
Leeds and Everton are said to be the two sides mostly keeping an eye on his situation right now, and he would represent a great coup for the Whites in the Championship based on his track record.
However, the lure of staying in the Premier League at Goodison Park could well hand the advantage to the Toffees.