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Report - Leeds plot raid for int'l ace, player has heart set on English switch
Leeds United are keen on signing AEK Athens goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas, according to the print edition of Greek outlet Sportday, as per SDNA.
The 26-year-old has been in eye-catching form this season, keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding just 24 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.
The report states that Leeds executives and Marcelo Bielsa himself have picked up on his impressive displays, and are keen to make a move for the player if and when they secure promotion to the Premier League.
But the Whites won’t have it all their own way if they do decide to press ahead with a pursuit, with Celtic also said to be keeping tabs on the stopper.
FC Basel and Montpellier are also mentioned as potential suitors.
It is understood, however, that Barkas – who also has 10 international caps to his name – has his heart set on a potential move to England.
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This is certainly an interesting one.
The Mirror report that Leeds are keen on making Ilan Meslier’s loan deal permanent this summer, and it’s not abundantly clear whether or not Bielsa or the board would be willing to splash out on two goalkeepers.
Chances are that a lot will depend on whether or not Kiko Casilla leaves the club this summer.
Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross has argued that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Spaniard had played his last game for the club after being sidelined by the ban he is currently serving for racially abusing Jonathan Leko.
In that instance, Bielsa’s hand will be forced, and he will almost certainly feel that he needs extra cover, with Elia Caprile still a little way off the first team picture.
If Leeds do decide to make a move, they could do an awful lot worse than an international keeper who has conceded fewer goals, made more reflex saves, and had a better pass completion rate per game this season than the man they already have, as per Wyscout.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay: Whites in advanced talks with £1m-rated PL youngster who has rejected terms with club.