Leeds United could be about to lose out in pursuit of a Premier League player available on a free transfer to bitter rivals Galatasaray after the Turkish club tabled a contract offer.
The rivalry between the two began before the first leg of the 2000 UEFA Cup semi-final in Turkey, when two Leeds fans were murdered. Every year, Leeds pay tribute to Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight.
LeedsUnited.News spoke to Nigel Martyn about the horrendous incident that took place in the lead up to the first leg, in which Leeds were forced to play the game and how Galatasaray showed little sympathy.
A 2-0 first-leg loss saw Leeds exit knocked out, with Leeds unable to turn the tie around in the second leg despite an Eirik Bakke brace, drawing 2-2. The two clubs remain enemies, 24 years down the road.
Proven by the hatred Leeds fans bestow for what should be a club icon in the form of Harry Kewell, after the Aussie winger decided to join Galatasaray. Now, Leeds could lose out to them in the race for a target.
Galatasaray make offer for free agent Leeds want to sign
West Ham defender Ben Johnson is still set to leave The London Stadium as things stand with his deal due to end in a fortnight. The Hammers have tabled a five-year deal to keep the “wonderful” right-back.
Plenty of speculation has surrounded the England U21 man, and it is claimed that he could now stay put at West Ham despite his lack of game time over the last few years under the guidance of David Moyes.
Leeds are interested in nabbing Johnson on a free but a report from Fotomac claims Galatasaray have made an offer for Johnson. A contract worth £32,500 a week and the chance to play in European football.
What West Ham expert told LeedsUnited.News about Johnson
Leeds need a right-back having lost Conor Roberts and while Sam Byram has signed a new one-year deal, Archie Gray’s future is in midfield. A right-back is key this summer and Johnson could be that addition.
But Tony Martin at Hammers News told us that Johnson’s potential has fallen by the wayside and in fact, he is no longer the player many hoped he would be. He says if he was a Leeds fan, he wouldn’t want him.
Johnson has been linked with other clubs too and it will be interesting to see what happens over the course of the next few weeks. Whether he leaves West Ham and if he does go, where does he go?