Leeds United begin mission to sign ‘future captain’ in club record deal
Leeds United could set their sights on early summer transfer business.
Leeds may have missed out on Jorgen Strand Larsen in January, but they can’t let that impact their work in future windows.
Daniel Farke can be pleased by Leeds’ move to sign Facundo Buonanotte on loan, with the hope of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds are said to be happy with their current squad, but there is no doubt that new faces will be wanted once the summer window opens.
Targets are already on the shopping list at Elland Road, with a rising star potentially set to come through the door at the end of the season.
Leeds United already scouting Hayden Hackney
Kalvin Phillips was mentioned as a potential Leeds target earlier in the January window, but he ultimately joined Sheffield United on loan.
That points towards a desire for midfield reinforcements in LS11, with Buonanotte already coming in on a temporary deal from Brighton.
The upcoming transfer window may prove to be where focus turns to the centre of the park, especially if survival is confirmed.
That could see Leeds move for Hayden Hackney after SportsBoom reported a “special protocol” scouting mission has already begun in recent fixtures.
The Middlesbrough man is seen as a potential “future” captain with the recruitment team at Elland Road suggesting the 23-year-old could thrive in the Premier League.
Boro have set a valuation of between £30million and £35m for his signature, a fee which would break their club record for a homegrown sale.
Hackney could join Leeds in £35m summer move
Hackney is up there with the best players in the Championship right now and has been on that trajectory for many years.
The Englishman has been a regular at the Riverside since 2022 and is now providing goals and assists for a side in the hunt for promotion.
He netted the winner in a 1-0 victory against Norwich City last time out as Middlesbrough moved joint top of the division.
It is unclear where the midfielder’s future would lie if his side earned promotion, but that is unlikely to discourage Leeds’ interest.
The Whites can maintain their interest throughout the rest of the season and prepare a bid of their own, ready for the summer.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.