Leeds United are still in with a shout of completing a deal for one of their top summer targets despite growing competition.
After failing to win promotion, Leeds are unfortunately going to find themselves in a similar situation to 12 months ago, where they are battling bottom Premier League clubs for their targets.
Leeds were beaten to a host of players including Gustavo Hamer and Cameron Archer last summer by sides such as Sheffield United, simply due to the lure of Premier League football and finances.
The Blades ended up being relegated with a whimper last season but unfortunately, the reality is that players would prefer to test themselves at the top, rather than drop into the Championship.
Leeds spent much of the last 10 months battling against Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton for promotion, and could well be again, but this time in the transfer market.
Transfer expert shares promising Joe Rodon to Leeds update
LeedsUnited.News have spoken exclusively to transfer expert Graeme Bailey this week on with the window having officially opened last Friday.
He shared an update on the possibility of both Max Wober and Rasmus Kristensen returning, though it is the pursuit of Joe Rodon supporters are more concerned about right now.
Leeds remain determined on bringing their former loanee back to Elland Road this summer but are going to face competition from all of Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton.
However, Bailey says Leeds most definitely cannot be ruled out of the race at the moment and a lot could well depend on the wishes of the £11m man.
He said: “Spurs are putting it out there about the other clubs. Being on loan at Leeds he wouldn’t be losing any money. Is he going to get the Spurs contract at Leicester, Ipswich or Southampton? Possibly.
“But I wouldn’t rule Leeds out at this point but obviously clearly Spurs would rather sell. Are Leeds in a position to buy him outright? They could but it’s a risk if they don’t go up, then Rodon would have to take a hit.
“It’ll come down to the player. I think it’ll be tough for Leeds given the other three can offer first team football in the Premier League. It is going to be a tough sell for Leeds but I wouldn’t rule them out completely by any stretch.”
Potential new Leicester boss Steve Cooper keen on Rodon
As mentioned, Leicester are one of the sides interested in Rodon this summer and the appointment of Cooper could well be bad news.
Cooper is a fellow Welsh compatriot of Rodon’s and also worked alongside him for a season during their time together at Swansea City.
It is understood Cooper would be keen on making Rodon his first signing at the Foxes, if, as expected, he lands the manager’s job at the King Power.
Like Bailey mentioned, though, this saga is going to heavily depend on what Rodon wants to do.