Leeds United transfer news as Manchester City reject Rico Lewis bids
Manchester City have rejected a “dozen” loan bids for full-back Rico Lewis with Leeds United among those interested, according to the Sunday Express.
The newspaper has reported in its print edition (30 July, page 5), that the Etihad wonder had attracted plenty of interest and offers from a dozen clubs including from the likes of Brighton, Southampton and Everton but Pep Guardiola sees the 18-year-old as an important member of his squad this season.
It is believed that the defender is set to be awarded a new and improved six-year deal at Manchester City [Daily Mail, 26 July] sending a hands-off message to his potential suitors including Leeds.
Ambitious but always impossible
Leeds United are in desperate need of a right full-back addition in the transfer market, despite possessing the likes of Cody Drameh and Luke Ayling right now.
However, there still remains a question regarding Drameh’s immediate future at Elland Road this summer, while Ayling is seemingly past his best.
The Whites have also already lost Rasmus Kristensen too, so an approach for a right back was always on the cards.
And while one for Lewis seems a very ambitious one, it was always an impossible task given Lewis’ increasing importance to Guardiola and Manchester City.
Lewis made his Premier League debut in August last year as a substitute in Man City’s victory over Bournemouth but since then, has become one of England’s most incredible and gifted defensive teens in so little time.
He’s already proven he’s tailor-made for the English top-flight so why would he make the step down to the Championship? Leeds have to set their sights elsewhere, among other burning positions which need addressing.
In other Leeds United news, a new £15m exit twist has emerged regarding a striker the club want to sign this summer.