Amid the drama of Archie Gray’s move to Tottenham, a defender linked with a move to Leeds United has told media that he is ready to leave his current club this summer.
The 49ers have been focused on getting players out of the door and balancing the books before going back in and making a few signings. Gray is the biggest exit, and the club’s third most-expensive sale ever.
Also to depart include Marc Roca, Jack Harrison, Sonny Perkins and those that have seen their contracts expire. As things stand, Liam Cooper, Cody Drameh and Jamie Shackleton are technically free agents.
An announcement is expected on the trio given Leeds confirmed they were in talks or had offered the three players new deals. But Leeds do still have incoming targets this summer and one is ready to go.
Defender now ‘ready’ to leave his current side amid Leeds links
Joe Rodon is an incoming signing as part of talks to do a deal with Tottenham and the sale of Gray. He rejoins Leeds for a fee of £10m and saves having to try and sign a replacement for the Welshman.
But Leeds could still do with another centre-back. Ethan Ampadu may still be seen as a midfielder by Daniel Farke despite his excellent work in defence last term, and Cooper could end up leaving the club.
Leeds have been linked with a move for Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha. The German-born Nigeria star has entered the final 12 months of his contract, and told TransferMarkt he is “ready” to leave Belgium.
“There are very exciting and specific inquiries that I am dealing with. I feel good, I’m in top shape and ready for the next step,” Torunarigha is quoted as saying, amid links with Leeds and other clubs.
Georginio Rutter’s old side have tabled a £9m bid for Torunarigha
A move for Rodon will not affect Leeds’ interest in Torunarigha given he is a left-footed centre-back. With Cooper going and Pascal Struijk missing for most of last season, Leeds missed that left-footed balance.
With Struijk hopefully fit for pre-season and the start of next season, it will be interesting to see if The Whites feel Torunarigha is value for money especially after Hoffenheim have tabled a £9m bid for him.
Rutter’s old club can offer Bundesliga football and that will surely prove tempting for the Nigeria star this summer. Rodon rejected Premier League clubs for Leeds so anything can happen in the transfer window,
