Pantelis Chatzidiakos deal on the cards as update emerges on Leeds United transfer talks amid Liam Cooper injury wait
Leeds United are currently short of a deal for Panetlis Chatzidiakos but “negotiations are underway” and he should be allowed to leave, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper reported on their website on Monday (7 August) that “sources in Europe” have indicated that AZ Alkmaar are “not expected to stand in Chatzidiakos’ way if their asking price is met”, with the Whites in talks as they wait to find out the severity of Liam Cooper’s injury.
Spor Time in Greece had reported on Sunday that the Eredivisie club want up to £3.5million for the centre-back, 26, with the current bid from Elland Road standing at just over £2.1m.
The Greek international is thought to have already accepted a move to Leeds United so the outcome of the clubs’ talks will be key for a man who reached the Europa Conference League final with the Dutch side last season but has just a year left on his contract.
Emergency
Whether Cooper’s ankle issue, picked up in scoring the Whites’ first as they fought back from 2-0 against Cardiff City in their Championship opener on Sunday, is serious or not it is a position that needs addressing fast.
The captain is also subject of transfer interest from Saudi Arabia [talkSPORT, 3 August] and the options are already light, with Charlie Cresswell possibly the top option based on the first day of the season.
Max Wober’s sudden exit to the Bundesliga made a huge difference to the complexion of the centre-back group, and a unit that otherwise only has Leo Hjelde and Pascal Struijk in it before the likes of Luke Ayling or Ethan Ampadu have to move out of position, which hardly seems sustainable for a full Championship season.
Daniel Farke is thought to like Nat Phillips and Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, but the fees involved are far higher.
So with work likely still needed at left-back, central midfield and striker before the deadline it looks like the Whites are pursuing a cheaper option for a man without experience in England and a shorter contract.
If a deal can be agreed Chatzidiakos will arrive with a lot of pressure on his shoulders to help address a defence that was a major weakness last term, and despite seeing four players leave appeared to again be an accident waiting to happen on Sunday.
In other Leeds United news, Chelsea are undecided on payment for a key Elland Road ace after entering talks to sign him according to Sky Sports.