Joe Rodon’s stance on a move to Leeds United has now been revealed with the race for his signature continuing to heat up.
Rodon spent last season on loan at Elland Road and such was the quality of his performances, Leeds are determined to bring him back to the club ahead of another Championship season.
However, due to Leeds‘ failure to win promotion, Premier League clubs are now looking to take advantage, none more so than the three sides who pipped the Whites.
Both Leicester City boss Steve Cooper and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna are big fans of the Welshman, with the former having worked with him before at Swansea City.
Southampton, meanwhile, have been in discussions with Tottenham over a potential cash + player deal with Carlos Alcaraz.
How Rodon feels about re-joining Leeds this summer
Unfortunately, Leeds are now at an immediate disadvantage to the other clubs purely due to the finances that comes with being in the Premier League.
Leeds are under more pressure to remain compliant with the EFL’s Profit and Sustainability rules, which is always more difficult in the second season due to a reduction in parachute payments.
The Whites spent around £30 million last summer to strengthen their squad and while Paraag Marathe has confirmed funds will be available, it remains to be seen whether it is as much as that.
One thing is for sure, though, Rodon remains very much a top target at Elland Road and according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, his stance should give them confidence.
The outlet has this morning reported that Rodon’s ‘priority destination’ this summer is a return to West Yorkshire, despite interest from the top-flight.
Now all that’s left for Leeds to do is agree a fee with Tottenham, though that is certainly much easier said than done.
How much will Spurs demand for Rodon?
Driven by Ange Postecoglou, a one-year extension in his contract at Spurs was triggered earlier this month to prevent him from becoming a free agent.
That puts Spurs in a better position when it comes to selling Rodon, and are expected to demand around £10 million for him to be signed permanently.
Leeds’ most expensive signing last summer was Joel Piroe who cost just slightly in excess of that, and so clearly the ambition is there if they want to do it.