Leeds United to open transfer talks for league-best passer Ilan Kebbal amid Burnley interest
Leeds United want to sign Paris FC’s Ilan Kebbal and have already been in contact with his representatives, according to Foot Mercato.
The French outlet reported via their website on 20 August that the Whites are racing Burnley for the attacking midfielder, who is a “key” player for the Ligue 2 side.
Both clubs are thought set to open talks with his club over a deal to sign the division’s best passer, after an “excellent” campaign where he scored eight times in all competitions and provided 11 assists.
Burnley are likely in the hunt because Manuel Benson is expected to leave Turf Moor, with the Whites also interested in signing him [Joe Donnohue, 20 August].
Leeds United want Paris FC man after Georginio Rutter exit
Kebbal, 26, could be a replacement for Georginio Rutter if he arrives at Elland Road after the Frenchman completed a move to Brighton.
The Whites have to move fast now with less than two weeks until the window closes and major holes left in Daniel Farke’s squad.
Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara all still need to be replaced while depth in many areas has been lost this summer.
Although a lot of money has poured in at Elland Road thanks to star players being sold and the new Red Bull sponsorship that hasn’t cleared the way for Leeds to march unopposed toward signing replacements.
Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe has informed his club that he wants to move to Marseille despite two bids from the Whites [HITC, 20 August], while Sunderland have put a massive £25million price tag on Jack Clarke since they will have to pass on 40 per cent to Tottenham [TEAMtalk, 29 August].
The 49ers have arguably already left it too late to replace what has been lost this summer, when they should have been prepared for release clauses to be triggered, but multiple signings are now needed quickly.
Kebbal has spent the past two seasons in the French second tier but made 31 Ligue 1 appearances for Reims the campaign before that, and if his creative abilities could translate to the English second tier he would help cover for Rutter’s departure.
In other Leeds United news, there are doubts over a senior Whites ace’s commitment this season.
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