Leeds United could be about to face an early defeat in the race for one of their transfer targets this summer.
The Whites have been browsing the free agent market for potential bargains during the early stages of the window but there is always the risk with that strategy that players perform late U-turns and sign new deals.
That is because with clubs determined not to lose members of their squad without receiving a transfer fee, they may start to get desperate as the June 30 deadline draws closer and offer significant money.
Leeds know that all to well this summer themselves, having offered Cody Drameh a new contract without the expectation of him signing it to ensure they receive compensation when he goes elsewhere.
And despite their lack of game time last season, Leeds are also in talks over offering fresh terms to both Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton, much to the surprise of supporters.
Transfer insider shares new update on Ben Johnson’s future
There are some real high quality options on the free agent market this summer and Leeds have already been linked with a handful of them.
Leeds are reportedly keeping an eye on the situation of Bobby De Cordova-Reid at Fulham, and have entered the race for Coventry City attacking midfielder Callum O’Hare.
West Ham United’s Ben Johnson is also someone Leeds have been looking at throughout 2024, having initially tried to sign him on loan in January.
A deal never materialised during the winter but Leeds have continued to be linked with the ‘wonderful‘ Johnson in recent weeks with the end of his contract drawing ever closer.
Johnson has already rejected multiple offers of a new deal at the Hammers as he looks to ensure he picks a club who can offer him regular game time.
However, West Ham offered him a new five-year-deal earlier this week and according to transfer insider Dean Jones, it looks as though he will perform a U-turn and sign it.
He told Give Me Sport: ”A move to Crystal Palace had looked very likely at one stage but things have slowly started to turn in West Ham’s favour. They never wanted to lose him and it feels like the arrival of Lopetegui has changed the situation.
“He might well stay at West Ham and if so that will be one less piece of business they have to attend to in the transfer market. Johnson has come through the Hammers youth set up, so there is emotion attached to this, and I get the feeling he might well end up staying after all.”
Rasmus Kristensen return to Leeds ‘not ruled out’ amid right-back chase
Amid the return of Connor Roberts to Burnley and the uncertainty surrounding whether he will return permanently, right-back is a position which needs strengthening this summer.
Sam Byram is the only recognised right-back on the books of Daniel Farke‘s squad but one potential solution could be the return of Rasmus Kristensen from his loan spell at AS Roma.
Roma have already decided they will not be signing Kristensen permanently and after Brenden Aaronson made the decision to return to Leeds earlier this week, the spotlight is now on what the others will do.
And according to Graham Smyth, Leeds have ‘not ruled out’ the potential of Kristensen following Aaronson, which could end their need to sign a new right-back.