Ben Jacobs moots ‘opportunity’ for Leeds United to sign Chelsea midfielder amid Crystal Palace interest
Ben Jacobs has insisted that there is a window of opportunity for Leeds United to bring Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos to Elland Road on loan in January.
The former talkSPORT journalist claimed that Leeds still have not adequately replaced Weston McKennie, and are therefore in the market for a new midfielder, with Santos a possible target.
Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town were also named as clubs with an interest in the Brazilian, as Chelsea will likely send him on loan to gain guaranteed playing time away from the club.
Speaking live on CaughtOffside’s The Verdict [3 January, 15:07] Jacobs shared: “Crystal Palace are interested, but there are Championship clubs as well.
“I think Ipswich might be one to watch, I think Leeds are still in the market because although they have made some sort of replacement, they’ve lost Weston McKennie and there might be a window of opportunity there, so don’t be surprised if we see some movement with Santos.”
An interesting deal
Santos was recalled by Chelsea on 3 January from his loan move to Nottingham Forest, where he made just one Premier League appearance after joining in the summer, and the Blues are looking to loan him out once more in search of game time. [The Athletic]
The Brazilian made the switch to West London last January in an £18million deal, before being loaned back to Vasco da Gama and then to Forest.
Leeds’ interest comes as a surprise given the success of summer signings Glen Kamara and Ethan Ampadu, from Chelsea, in the middle of the park, but it appears some at the club feel they could strengthen in that area yet again in the coming weeks.
With interest from high-flying Ipswich and Premier League Crystal Palace, Leeds would likely have to move early to get the deal over the line or promise more game time than their competitors as that is what Chelsea want.
It would be an interesting move to watch at Elland Road if Leeds can beat away the competition for his signature in a bid to strengthen their promotion bid.
In other Leeds United news, the club have already taken action to secure a £12million transfer.