Leeds United transfer news as Barcelona eye Abde Ezzalzouli auction to fund Manchester City signing
Leeds United face the prospect of a head-to-head race with Wolves for Abde Ezzalzouli as Barcelona look to auction him to the highest bidder, the Daily Mail reports.
The Whites have already held talks with the agent of the young winger, who is currently on loan as Osasuna, according to Sport on 14 April.
But La Liga’s leaders are after money to fund transfer moves, particularly an offer to Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, and Ezzalzouli’s form on loan has reportedly served to “bump up the price” for his services.
Wolves are apparently lurking with an interest in the “wonderkid” and the Daily Mail raise the prospect of an “auction” if they make good on that.
The Morocco international has made 27 league and cup appearances this season, contributing five goals and two assists, but that now means he “will not come cheap”.
Priorities
If Leeds United stay in the Premier League as hoped, and the 49ers takeover therefore goes through as forecast, then there is scope for a whole new era at Elland Road.
But even so, wide forwards are one area of the Whites squad where there is already plenty of quality options, with Jack Harrison’s new contract a reward for his fine recent form, and summer signing Luis Sinisterra coming back to the fore.
Star of the campaign Willy Gnonto has even taken a backseat at times under Javi Gracia while Crysensio Summerville has made strides this year.
In theory there is still Dan James to add to the equation when his loan at Fulham ends, so if Barcelona are looking to rinse every euro they can from a sale of Ezzalzouli it would surely make sense to fund additions in areas of greater need.
If Gnonto draws strong bids and moves on in the summer that could theoretically change, but either way the defence still needs more work, as does striker (as ever) and possibly central midfield, while if Illan Meslier’s market explodes possibly a keeper will be needed.
The Whites have proven adept at adding to the wings this season so if the 21-year-old Barca man is available a fair price then it may make sense, but if the price is already jumping there must be other business that needs doing first.
In other Leeds United news, an unbelievable situation at a league rival has Gary Neville fearing the worst at Elland Road.