Leeds United 'braced' for fresh bid as European giants 'prepare assault' — YEP 5/7/24
By Jamie Kemble
Leeds United are now back at camp, beginning preparations
for the new season after play-off final heartbreak last term. The Whites will
be one of the favourites to win promotion back to the Premier League this time
around, but such expectations only add pressure, and Daniel Farke will be
expected to deliver.
There will likely be new recruits at Elland Road this
summer, and we have already seen Joe Rodon snapped up permanently, but it’s no
secret that sales will be required to balance the books, and Archie Gray was
the first big domino to fall on that front. As the Whites continue working on
incomings and outgoings, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer
rumours surrounding Elland Road.
Llorente bid latest
Real Betis are reportedly set to make a fresh offer for
Leeds centre-back Diego Llorente. According to Mucho Deporte, the Andalusian
side will lodge a second bid after seeing a £5.1 million bid rejected.
It’s reported the La Liga club are ‘optimistic’ about a deal
to take Llorente back to his home country. It was reported earlier this week
that Leeds were only willing to send Llorente out on loan again after he spent
18 months out on loan with AS Roma. But it looks as though a deal may be on the
cards as long as there is a bid worth between £5m and £6m.
Llorente said at the end of his Roma spell: ”The most
difficult moment in my career has to be the Europa League final lost in
Budapest with Roma. It was a huge disappointment for all of us. When you get to
so close to winning a trophy and you are eliminated on penalties… it hurts.
Roma? I like it when we go to the Olimpico on match days. Seeing a lot of
people, living that environment with so much passion. The first time for me was
with Cremonese in the Coppa Italia. Even though we lost, I can’t forget that
evening. The stadium is always amazing.”
He added: ”This team is like a big family: the atmosphere in
the club is always positive. I feel the support of the club, of the management.
I am very happy here, my wife and children too. I don’t know what the future
may hold, but as a club I will always have a fantastic memories of Roma.”
Meslier update
Marseille are said to be set to ramp up their efforts to
sign a goalkeeper this summer, and it looks as though Leeds keeper Illan
Meslier is their ideal target. According to La Provence, the French club are
preparing a fresh assault and that the keeper can ‘happily imagine’ himself at
the club.
Reports claim Leeds will demand at least £20m to sell their
starting goalkeeper, who enjoyed a revival last season, impressing in the
Championship. Leeds also have Karl Darlow to call upon, while free agent Marek
Rodak has been linked already this summer having left Fulham at the end of
June. Rodak is headed home from Euro 2024 after suffering a Round of 16 defeat
to England.