Everton and Bournemouth have tabled offers to sign a midfielder that Leeds United wanted to sign this summer, but defeat in the play-off final ruined their chances of a deal.
Leeds were powerless in avoiding defeat at Wembley in last month as Southampton secured a third win over The Whites in the three games the two sides have played this season, Russell Martin victorious.
The Saints have since signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Adam Lallana while Leeds have been unable to bring in any new signings so far. Brenden Aaronson returns as if he was a new signing, after a loan spell.
Last month, Leeds were linked with a move for a Roma midfielder. The Whites and Roma have a good working relationship, given Rasmus Kristensen and Diego Llorente have spent the season on loan there.
Everton and Bournemouth bid for Leeds target Edoardo Bove
The defeat in the play-off final has reduced the calibre of player Leeds can sign. Without offering Premier League, Leeds will have to find players that improve them and be willing to join a Championship side.
Roma Forever say Leeds wanted to open talks to sign 22-year-old Roma academy product Edoardo Bove but they were shut down immediately because Leeds failed to return to the Premier League next season.
Now, Gianluca Di Marzio says Everton and Bournemouth have tabled bids to sign Bove in the summer. Roma Forever state that the Italian giants are looking for a fee between £15m and £17m to sell Bove.
Bove would be an incredible signing, patience could be key
There are two issues with Leeds signing Bove. The first is of course, he is seemingly unwilling to join a Championship club but also, can Leeds really afford to spend the best part of £20m on a player?
The 49ers need to make a big profit in player sales this summer and the sales of players like Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto will help them do that, but to maintain that they must buy cheap.
Bove is certainly not that. An excellent player, who has played the best part of 100 games for Roma’s senior side. Leeds are not particularly lacking in midfield and without promotion, it is an impossible deal.