(Credit: Imago)

Bournemouth find James Hill replacement as Leeds move closer to late deal

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

24 Aug 2025, 1:08 am

James Hill has been heavily linked to Leeds United over the past few days.

The Bournemouth centre-back has struggled to break into the first team after having loan spells at Hearts and Blackburn Rovers in recent years.

With the 23-year-old only having one year left of his contract, Leeds are looking to pounce for Hill.

Daniel Farke is said to be keen for a full-back for Leeds before the window is out, and the defender can play at both centre-back and right-back.

Now, the transfer saga has developed once more, and in the Peacocks’ favour.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke looking serious

Daniel Farke wants a full-back before the transfer window closes (Credit: Imago)

Bournemouth eye replacement amid Leeds interest in James Hill

With only days left of the transfer window, many Premier League teams are looking for last-minute deals.

This is the same for Bournemouth, who are looking to add another versatile defender to their squad.

According to the Sunday Mirror, page 68 on 24 August, the Cherries are tracking Red Star Belgrade centre-back Veljko Milosavljevic.

Hill played 14 matches in all competitions for Bournemouth last season
The defender was signed from Fleetwood Town in 2022
Hill only has one year left on his contract

The defender has been closely scouted by Bournemouth and was watched in the 2-1 Champions League playoff defeat to Pafos FC on Tuesday.

However, the report goes on to say, any deal would hinge on the future of Hill, who is admired by Leeds.

Read more: Andoni Iraola to force Leeds United hand after James Hill transfer admission

Paraag Marathe has sanctioned plenty of deals this summer (Credit: Imago)

Leeds should move on from James Hill

Reports suggest that Leeds have over £50million to spend before the end of the transfer window.

Therefore, if Farke wants a full-back, he would look to add one with real quality, not someone who has only played a few matches at a top level.

Hill has only made 25 appearances for Bournemouth in four-and-a-half seasons, which no doubt raises questions about his ability.

Therefore, if Leeds are to survive the drop, they must focus on signing quality, not players who they believe could turn out to be a bargain.

Sign up for the MOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.

James Hill