Mandela Keita awaits crunch talks as Leeds United ramp up pursuit amid ‘very spicy’ release clause reveal
Leeds United are ramping up their pursuit of Mandela Keita, with the OH Leuven midfielder awaiting crunch talks regarding his future, according to Gazet van Antwerpen.
The Belgian newspaper reported via their print edition on Thursday (13 April, page one of pull-out) that Keita, 20, has a “very spicy” release clause of £8.8million (€10million) in his contract at Leuven but his performances while on loan at Royal Antwerp this season have caught the eye of clubs in England.
It is understood that Leeds have registered an interest in the defensive midfielder but Norwich and Blackburn are also in the hunt to sign him.
Gazet van Antwerpen adds that there’s also a chance Keita could join Antwerp permanently but he is “waiting for conversations about that” possibility.
One to watch
Keita is definitely not a household name, but his rapid progression has quickly caught the eye of various clubs, with the youngster set to become a highly-talked-about asset this summer due to the reported interest in his services.
He is one of many exciting young players in the Belgium under-21 setup, with Keita helping his club push their way towards the top of the league table.
Antwerp currently sit in third spot behind Genk and Union Saint-Gilloise in what looks set to be a thrilling finish to the season in Belgium.
Their young midfielder looks increasingly likely to secure a spot at a more high-profile club in the near future, with Leeds in the running for his signature as they look to rebuild their squad this summer.
Keita may just enquire about life in England to current teammates Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Janssen, both of which spent time in the Premier League at Tottenham.
In other Leeds United news, this Leeds loanee appears to be in line to remain at his current club next season rather than return to the Whites.