Leeds United transfer news as Sam Allardyce plans in place already
Sam Allardyce already has transfer plans in place at Leeds United despite only signing up with the club until the end of the season, according to Spanish newspaper SPORT.
The report states that the Whites had agreed on a deal for Barcelona teenager Ilias Akhomach this summer, but it has now collapsed following the exits of Victor Orta and Javi Gracia from the club.
Despite only signing up at Elland Road for the remaining four games of the Premier League season, new manager Allardyce has already readied “plans to go through other footballers” for potential transfers.
The 68-year-old’s side currently sit 19th in the Premier League with just three games of their season remaining and will host Newcastle United in West Yorkshire this Saturday (13 May).
Here to stay?
Although Allardyce was thought to be a short-term option as manager at Elland Road, this report suggests he could be in the job for the long haul.
The Englishman has built a reputation on his ability to lead clubs to safety with numerous Premier League clubs over the years, but this could be his toughest assignment yet.
After victories for Nottingham Forest and Everton on Monday (8 May), the Whites are in deep trouble with a tough trio of fixtures against Newcastle, West Ham and Spurs remaining.
If the unimaginable happens and Leeds end up playing Championship football next season, keeping Allardyce on in the dugout would be a controversial move by the club.
Although his pragmatic style of play is well received in short doses, having him on the job on a full-time basis could lead to division within the fanbase.
Searching for transfers does suggest he has one eye on keeping his position, and this would be even more likely if he keeps the club in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has now shared what he’s been told about Big Sam at Thorp Arch.