Leeds United target Viktor Johansson as replacement for £40m Elland Road star
Leeds United are keeping tabs on Rotherham keeper Viktor Johansson as a potential replacement for Illan Meslier, according to Football League World.
It’s believed they face competition for the 24-year-old keeper who has two years left on his current deal at the New York Stadium.
Football League World claim that Nick Hammond is eager to utilise the British market to mastermind Leeds’ return to the Premier League.
“Our sources have informed us that the Whites intend to recruit largely from the domestic market this summer, with Nick Hammond previously having success in his role at Newcastle United in signing players with experience of English football,” they wrote (21 June).
Football Insider reported on 12 April that Leed have slapped a £40million price tag on Meslier.
Experience
The Swede certainly has experience when it comes to the Championship. Rotherham are often left fighting for their lives so it’s fair to say he is kept fairly busy in the Millers’ net.
Leeds need players who have experience in the second tier. Unfortunately, Premier League players can often be reluctant to take up the challenge presented to them in the Championship.
However, firstly the board need to land a permanent manager to help mount a credible promotion challenge. At present, decisions on player exits and transfers are at a standstill.
Daniel Farke seems like the most likely man to take the job at Elland Road. He would be an appointment expected by many. He’s won promotion twice from the second tier playing some fairly attractive football. Furthermore, he was unfairly sacked by Norwich after not being given significant backing.
The sooner the appointment is made, the better for the players, the board and the eventual winner of the managerial race.
In other Leeds United news, a BBC pundit has been left stunned as Phil Hay has dropped a fresh update on who the Whites are considering bringing in as manager this summer.