Leeds United may be forced to wait to seal loan deal for Premier League starlet – Ben Jacobs
Leeds United may be forced to wait until later in the summer to seal a loan deal for Chelsea sensation Alfie Gilchrist, according to Ben Jacobs.
Writing in his column on Simon Phillips’ Substack (17 June), the journalist reports that the Whites are one club interested in sealing a deal for the right-back alongside Preston and Blackburn.
And while no deal is advanced, Jacobs has speculated that new boss Enzo Maresca may want to take a look at Gilchrist during the club’s pre-season tour in the USA this summer.
“An Alfie Gilchrist loan is one to watch as well,” he wrote.
“It will be interesting to see if Maresca wants to keep him for pre-season in the US prior to a likely loan to a Championship club. This may make more sense rather than loaning him out too early.
“Leeds, Preston and Blackburn are three clubs to watch, as revealed a few weeks back. All enquiries are only at an early stage.”
Leeds United must make transfer plans and moves early
After missing out on promotion back to the Premier League after defeat to Southampton in the playoff final, the club have to start making plans quickly.
A lot of the talk at Elland Road so far this summer has been about exits and outgoings, but Daniel Farke will need to strengthen the side and find a way to replace anyone who leaves.
Right-back is a position that will need strengthening regardless after all of Djed Spence, Luke Ayling and Connor Roberts left the club during the 2023/24 campaign.
Archie Gray is a midfielder by nature and that is his best position, which leaves just Sam Byram as an option. Gilchrist would come in and provide cover, but also quality and hunger.
He would no doubt be eager to impress and after the success of loanees like Joe Rodon last season, Leeds know how important that market can be for the squad so this is certainly one to watch.
In other Leeds news, the club are set for a six-figure windfall after a Euro 2024 clause emerged.
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