Leeds United look likely to be priced out of a move for a player they were determined to sign in January.
At this stage of the window, it is unclear what sort of budget Leeds will have to spend this summer, but one thing is for sure, they will have to be smart with their spending.
Leeds splashed just shy of £30 million on new signings a year ago and Paraag Marathe has again confirmed funds will be available to spend.
However, using Marathe’s comments and last summer’s figure as a ballpark, it is difficult to see Leeds spending a large chunk on one individual player.
Joel Piroe was the most expensive signing of the window 12 months ago at an initial fee of around £10.5 million from Swansea City.
Everton set Ben Godfrey price tag that could end Leeds interest
After Pascal Struijk’s injury, central defence was a position Leeds tried and failed to strengthen back in the January window.
Fast forward six months and it is an area that again will need addressing, with Charlie Cresswell wanted in Europe, Liam Cooper yet to sign a new deal and a return for Joe Rodon uncertain.
One of the players Leeds were really determined to sign during the winter was Everton’s Ben Godfrey, who had looked destined for a departure from Goodison Park.
However, Sean Dyche handed him a more prominent role from January onwards and so he stayed, ending Daniel Farke’s hopes of a reunion after managing him at Norwich City.
Godfrey, though, has reportedly rejected the offer of a new contract at Everton and with just 12 months remaining on his deal, it seems likely he will depart this summer.
According to the Athletic, Europa League winners Atalanta are the first side to make their move, seeing a verbal proposal of £8.5 million turned down by Everton, who instead are asking for somewhere closer to £15 million.
Whether it’s Rodon or someone else, Leeds are in need of a real marquee addition at centre-back this summer but at that reported price tag, the Whites have no chance.
Spending that sort of money on someone who has been injury prone in recent signings would not be wise from Leeds’ perspective, and so any chance of them reigniting interest is over before it even started.
Joe Rodon wants a return to Leeds
Godfrey would’ve represented a good alternative option to Rodon for Leeds but given he is likely to cost more, it would make little sense.
From a continuity and availability perspective, Rodon would be a better signing than Godfrey anyway, with Tottenham’s asking price reported to be slightly less at £10 million.
And despite Premier League interest, it still reportedly remains Rodon’s ‘priority’ to seal a move back to Elland Road.
His arrival would see him rekindle his partnership with Pascal Struijk, and leave Leeds needing more of a backup option, than big money one like Godfrey.