Leeds United set to loan Sonny Perkins to Championship rivals as Sunderland, Blackburn and Birmingham make contact
Leeds United are ready to let Sonny Perkins join a Championship rival on loan this season with six clubs interested, TEAMtalk reports.
The youngster arrived from West Ham a year ago and proved a hit in the under-21s, prompting Leeds Lives’ Beren Cross to call the move an “outstanding piece of business” on 27 September, before then scoring once in an FA Cup game for the senior side.
Although Rodrigo looks set for an imminent exit and Patrick Bamford has been tipped to possibly leave this summer as well, the Whites are reportedly happy to let the Perkins, 19, join a club in the same division following relegation.
According to TEAMtalk, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, and Sunderland are among the half-dozen teams who have already been in touch to register their interest.
Joe Gelhardt spent the second half of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light so his Elland Road teammate would function as a replacement if the Black Cats were to come out on top.
Surprise
Had the Whites stayed in the Premier League this would be the obvious next step for a talented forward who proved he was ready to move out of the under-21s set up.
But after dropping into the Championship it is somewhat unexpected that Leeds United would be prepared to potentially strengthen a rival.
The early indication therefore is that Gelhardt will be expected to step up this season after his recent second-tier experience, and likely that a new forward will yet be signed.
Georginio Rutter is wanted back at Hoffenheim [Daily Mail, 26 June] but has been predicted to remain for the promotion push despite his club-record fee and miserable debut campaign at Elland Road.
This is at least the fourth transfer window running where an out-and-out number nine replacement for Bamford has been needed, and Perkins or fellow youngster Mateo Joseph might have been expected to get a chance to step into that role.
But it appears there is no shortage of interest in Perkins so if the Whites are happy to let him go then it looks like he will be playing elsewhere next season.
In other Leeds United news, the 49ers have insisted transfer business and the crucial new manager announcement have to wait for a delayed development.