Leeds United want minimum of 5 more signings after Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea as Everton chase Willy Gnonto
Leeds United are looking to make up for lost time in the transfer market as they are targeting at least five more signings after the arrival of Ethan Ampadu, according to Graham Smyth.
A £7million plus add-ons deal has been struck with Chelsea to bring in the 22-year-old Wales international as the first senior addition of the Daniel Farke era.
But with a host of first-team players already gone and interest swirling around the likes of Willy Gnonto, there are multiple positions where one or more new arrivals are still wanted during the window.
Smyth writes in the Yorkshire Evening Post on Monday (17 July): “Ampadu will become the first senior signing of the summer for Leeds as they build a promotion-worthy squad for new manager Daniel Farke.
“The Whites are also in the market for a goalkeeper, right-sided centre-back, at least one left-back, another central midfielder, a number nine and – should they lose a couple of their wide men this summer – wing reinforcements.
“Willy Gnonto has been the subject of a speculative offer from Everton but Leeds are determined not to sell the Italian international and see him as a key part of their plans.”
Ignition
This is the sort of news that Leeds United fans have been waiting for this summer, after weeks of delay relating to changes at almost every level of the club.
It appears the EFL are about to green-light the 49ers takeover, and with Marc Roca the latest incumbent making an exit this week the club is raring to go with incoming business.
Ampadu looks a very sensible starting point, as a central midfielder in a group that has lost three, and a cover option in defence.
Goalkeeper remains a key point on the to-do list, amid talks over Karl Darlow and links to the likes of Freddie Woodman to replace the presumed exit-bound Illan Meslier.
As always seems to be the case left-back and number nine are questions that need answering, with Charlie Taylor mooted to return as the much-maligned Junior Firpo heads for the exit, and with the creaking Patrick Bamford facing the same pressure as always if he stays.
Everton appear to be at the front of the queue for Gnonto, but wide attacker is one position where the Whites are both stacked and haven’t yet lost anyone, so if the Italian teenager and teammates such as Jack Harrison remain for the promotion push that would save Farke and the hierarchy another big job in the market.
In other Leeds United news, four key names could yet stay at Elland Road in addition to the mooted new arrivals.