49ers may have first Leeds summer transfer locked in already amid £7.5m update
Leeds United failed to add to their squad in the winter transfer window but the 49ers may already have a summer transfer lined up.
The Elland Road outfit could not find the quality to improve Daniel Farke‘s side due to the lofty standards that they have set in the Championship this season despite having the backing of the NFL enterprise behind them.
The Whites currently sit two points ahead of Sheffield United after a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Sunderland (17 February).
One of the stars of that victory could be set for a permanent move to the Whites if they manage to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds United can seal Joe Rothwell deal after Sunderland heroics
Farke’s side were 1-0 down to a Wilson Isidor strike when Joe Rothwell and Pascal Struijk replaced Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka.
The change proved to be an inspirational decision as the duo combined twice to turn the clash around with two spectacular deliveries from the Bournemouth loanee.
The Premier League outfit would be willing to allow a permanent transfer for a fee of £7.5m and that seems like a no-brainer for the 49ers after his display on Monday.
Rothwell transfer an easy decision for Leeds United
The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Cherries and clearly not a part of their long-term plans, so a move to Elland Road is feasible if the reported fee is accurate.
The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has emerged as a reliable option for Farke, having formed a formidable duo with Tanaka before Ethan Ampadu and Gruev returned from injury.
Rothwell has proved himself as a perfect squad option and repaid his trust in one of the most crucial moments of the season so far.
The Whites must improve their squad if they are promoted but squad depth is also crucial if they find themselves in a relegation battle next campaign as they are expected to be.
Leeds’ riches in the engine room is a vital part of the squad and should be kept together if they secure promotion to the top flight.