Leeds United transfer news: Aston Villa could be overtaken in near future for ‘reasonable price’ Tyler Adams – Mike McGrath
Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is wanted within the Premier League and Europe but Aston Villa could be overtaken in the “near future” as he is not currently their priority, according to Mike McGrath.
The Athletic had reported (23 June) that Villa had him “high” on their list of targets this summer, and that the Whites had planned talks in an attempt to get him to stay at Elland Road.
But Telegraph journalist McGrath believes that the pursuit from Villa Park is not currently pressing and outgoings could be key to the club making a major play for the American midfielder, with Leander Dendoncker possibly leaving Unai Emery’s side, although other clubs are ready to take their place in the race.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Saturday morning (24 June, 11m 30s) McGrath said: “The situation with him is he is liked by Aston Villa in that position. My understanding is that it’s not the priority position for them at the moment.
“He is certainly one that they’re looking at, maybe if they get some out like [Leander] Dendoncker. If he goes then Tyler Adams comes into the mix, but I think he would be on the list of others as well because of Leeds’ situation.
“Being relegated he’d be available for a fairly reasonable price and others could overtake Aston Villa in the near future because he’s one that’s available, [has] Champions League experience, so I think there’s a little bit of interest in Europe as well.”
Prize
The possibility that one of the key players in the race to sign the Leeds United midfielder is not targeting him so hotly doesn’t seem like it is going to be of much relief at Elland Road.
More and more teams continue to be linked, and with Newcastle [The Athletic, 9 June], Brighton and Everton [Daily Mail, 19 June] all thought to be after him this summer, on top of inquiries from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool [TEAMtalk, 13 June], the chances are that he moves on.
Clearly the Whites believe he has the potential to be crucial in the promotion bid as his name looks to have emerged as the one exit-linked player who they want to fight hardest to keep.
If the talks they have reportedly planned with him prove to be successful then whoever is behind them will have played a blinder, as he appears to have Premier League and even Champions League opportunities aplenty.
Given the strength of interest from so many sources Adams is surely one who could land possibly the best fee this summer should he go.
Unless there is another relegation release clause that keeps his price down there is the chance of a bidding war when offers start being made official.
A club which has just been relegated might struggle to demand a significant profit after a single season, but with the huge money being spent on midfielders this summer after Jude Bellingham’s move, and with Declan Rice’s incoming, all bets are off currently and in light of the nine-figure fees being mentioned even a “fairly reasonable” price might be quite high.
In other Leeds United news, one manager is now “very, very close” to the club but concerns have emerged that could derail the process at the last.