Ao Tanaka waiting on summer exit at Leeds as £35m transfer demand emerges
Ao Tanaka could soon force his way out of Leeds United.
Tanaka has been linked with a Leeds exit in recent weeks and months after a general lack of Premier League minutes under Daniel Farke.
He started as Leeds secured a 3-1 win away to Derby County, but that marks his only start since a mid-December draw against Brentford.
The Japan international was an unused substitute when Arsenal smashed Leeds 4-0 at Elland Road, proving his place in the pecking order in LS11.
No one would blame Tanaka for seeking an exit in Yorkshire, and he could get exactly that once the summer transfer window opens.
Leeds United could soon replace Ao Tanaka
Tanaka was left out entirely against Arsenal as he watched on from the bench to further confirm his place in the pecking order.
That came in the midst of plenty of exit rumours surrounding the midfielder, with interest in his signature likely to pick up even after the January window slammed shut.
The Japanese ace was superb in the Championship and has been a useful operator when given the chance in the Premier League – as showcased by Sofascore.
Despite this, the Whites are still on the lookout for new midfield recruits after interest in Middlesbrough ace Hayden Hackney emerged in LS11.
SportsBoom reported on Monday that a scouting mission is underway to sign the Englishman who has been earmarked as a “future captain” at Elland Road.
The Championship side have set a £35million evaluation for the 23-year-old, a fee would likely see Tanaka fall even further down the pecking order.
Hayden Hackney would kickstart domino effect at Leeds
Hackney is arguably the best midfielder in the Championship and is deserving of a step up to the Premier League off the back of his form.
The midfield talent could earn promotion this campaign, but if he doesn’t, there is every chance the Whites could step in and bring him to Yorkshire.
His price and output in the second tier would likely see him demand regular minutes at Elland Road, something which would spell bad news for Tanaka.
The 27-year-old would likely take his signing as a reason to move on and could demand an exit while the summer window is open.
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