Leeds United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a reported transfer target.
Though the window does not officially open until June 14, those behind-the-scenes will already be working hard on strengthening the squad ahead of pre-season.
Leeds did not make a single signing until the third week of July last summer and after missing out on promotion, will be eager to avoid a repeat of the same mistakes. It certainly proved costly in their pursuit of the top two.
49ers Enterprises were still in the process of completing a takeover and hiring a manager this time last year, but Paraag Marathe has insisted they are in a better position to capitalise this time around.
That is despite the fact he has already acknowledged some key players will have to leave this summer, as they look to ensure they remain compliant with PSR.
Leeds handed boost in Bobby De Cordova-Reid pursuit
While Marathe has confirmed funds will be available to spend, loans and free agents are always markets in which Championship clubs should be looking.
Leeds have already been linked with a couple at this early stage of the summer, with Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist reportedly on the radar for a loan.
And reports have today emerged that Leeds are indeed looking at a move for Fulham attacker Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who is out of contract at the end of the month.
Team Talk have claimed talks between De Cordova-Reid and Fulham have stalled over a new deal, with Leeds and Everton two clubs keen to pounce.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Leeds could actually have a free run at the 31-year-old’s signature, as Everton are not actually interested in pursuing a deal.
If it is eventually confirmed that De Cordova-Reid will be hitting the free agent market, more clubs are bound to take a look, but at this stage, it is seemingly only Leeds in the race.
Who is reported Leeds target De Cordova-Reid?
De Cordova-Reid is an experienced, versatile attacking player who has spent the bulk of his professional career in the top two divisions of English football.
He can play both centrally and out wide, with his best season coming at Bristol City back in the 2017/18 campaign, when he netted 19 Championship goals.
The Jamaican international spent one year at Cardiff City before joining Fulham in 2019, a club he has twice won promotion to the Premier League with.
His former manager Scott Parker once hailed him as an ‘unbelievable professional’ and based on his ability to be fit for almost every game, it would be hard to disagree. He is very rarely ever injured.
De Cordova-Reid scored eight goals in Fulham’s title winning campaign of 2021/22, and netted six in 17 starts in the Premier League this term.