Leeds United have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of a reported transfer target this summer.
The Whites are still yet to make their first foray into the market but at this stage of the window, behind-the-scenes discussions with players and their representatives will be taking place.
Daniel Farke will be eager to get signings through the door earlier than this time a year ago, when Leeds’ first addition did not arrive until the third week of July.
That lethargy in the market led to a slow start to the season for Leeds, but the same excuses cannot be made this time around given there is clarity on both the ownership and manager situations.
Concrete links have so far been few and far between at Elland Road, though there are certainly two players in which you can almost guarantee Leeds are targeting.
Transfer expert shares interesting update on Leeds’ pursuit of Connor Roberts
Leeds are interested in signing two of their former loanees from last season in Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts, both of which are currently difficult in their own way.
Rodon is also wanted by Premier League clubs and could cost somewhere around £10 million, which would be a considerable outlay for a side in their second successive season of Championship football.
Roberts, meanwhile, is at one of Leeds’ potential promotion rivals for next season in Burnley, who are also still without a manager. Naturally, that will slow down any recruitment decisions.
However, LeedsUnited.News spoke exclusively to transfer expert Graeme Bailey earlier this week, and he had a fairly positive line to bring on the pursuit of Roberts.
While echoing other reports about Leeds’ need to be patient, Bailey did also report that Burnley will need to make some player sales this summer, which could open the door for Farke to get his man.
He said: “I know Leeds have got interest but it may depend on who gets that job at Burnley. If they like Connor Roberts, it may change the situation. We may have to see what happens at Burnley, but they do need some money coming in, but how much they will get for Roberts won’t be an awful lot. I think that one is going to be ongoing.”
Leeds could soon learn Burnley’s plans for Roberts
As mentioned, Burnley are still currently managerless and on the hunt for a replacement for Vincent Kompany, who joined Bayern Munich earlier this month.
Burnley have interviewed the likes of Frank Lampard and 2023 Leeds target Scott Parker, but are seemingly closing in on other former big-named player.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is said to be closing in on the vacancy at Turf Moor according to reports from the Dutch media, which could speed up the decision making process on Roberts.
Hopefully that can arrive in the few days so Leeds can learn whether to pursue a move, or look at other targets.