Leeds United will be hoping they use the Premier League loan market more effectively this summer.
After losing the play-off final almost two weeks ago to Southampton, Leeds will be putting the final plans in place for another season of Championship football, with the window opening in seven days.
Loans are certainly going to prove a useful tactic in Leeds’ recruitment strategy with Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist already someone who has been linked.
Over the course of the two windows last season, Leeds signed four players on loan from Premier League clubs, but it would be fair to say only Joe Rodon was successful.
Djed Spence was sent back to Spurs early in January, while Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony both started just four league games each and won’t be returning permanently.
New update shared on Leeds’ hopes of signing Rodon
Despite failing to win promotion, Leeds remain determined to sign Rodon permanently after he enjoyed such a positive season on loan.
Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on his situation but Leeds are said to have informed the 26-year-old they are willing to do everything possible to bring him back.
Rodon had been due to be out of contract at Spurs this summer but reports came to light yesterday that a one-year extension was triggered in his deal, thus protecting his value.
But according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, this latest development could open up another avenue for Leeds to re-sign him this summer.
It is said Leeds could now place another loan offer that this time includes an obligation-to-buy permanently in 12 months’ time should they win promotion.
The YEP state it is unclear whether Spurs would be open to such agreement, but it would certainly benefit Leeds and their chances of bringing him back.
What has Rodon said about joining Leeds again
Rodon was asked about the chances of him joining Leeds in the week leading up to the play-off final, and he certainly left the door open for it to happen.
The Wales international says Leeds has now become a ‘second home’ for him, but at the same time, he does have aspirations of playing at the highest level.
He said: “It would be nice to have stability and know where I am next season. I’ve always strived to get to the elite level and hopefully I can get back there with Leeds, but you never know.
“I don’t want to look too far into the future, although I do love it here and Leeds feels like a second home to me now. I’m just concentrating on giving my best and getting this club back to where it belongs.”