Leeds United transfer stance on Pascal Struijk shared as Tottenham eye deal
Carlton Palmer believes it is “highly unlikely” Leeds United will sanction the sale of Pascal Struijk in the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League outfit Tottenham as Ange Postecoglou looks to take advantage of the centre-back’s ongoing contract negotiations at Elland Road [TBR Football].
However, former Whites midfielder Palmer has issued his verdict on the situation to Football League World [18 December] and believes Leeds are under no pressure to sell their captain.
He said: “What’s surfaced at the moment is that clubs in the Premier League, Tottenham, Wolves, to mention two, are interested in signing their experienced centre-back Struijk. The 25-year-old has been absolutely outstanding for Leeds United this season.
“The likes of Tottenham are looking to strengthen that area in the transfer window, with the likes of Micky van de Ven, who has been injured a lot with hamstrings and [Cristian] Romero, who has either been suspended or injured. They’ve had a problem in that area.
“But I think it’s unlikely that Leeds are going to sell the 25-year-old in the January transfer window given their remit is to get back to the Premier League.
“I think it’s highly unlikely any more players will be allowed to leave Leeds United in the January transfer market, with their remit to get back to the Premier League.”
Leeds United can fend off Tottenham interest in Pascal Struijk
Struijk has been an integral cog in the set-up at Leeds for years, but securing Premier League promotion this term will ensure the captain continues to ply his trade at Elland Road.
The Whites are on track to achieve their goal despite squandering an opportunity to remain on the heels of Championship leaders Sheffield United after the 1-1 draw against Preston North End on Saturday [14 December].
Furthermore, Leeds are in a strong position in regards to the the EFL’s Profit and Sustainability Rules [The Athletic] and know losing Struijk at the midway point of the campaign could derail their automatic promotion push, so it would take eye-watering figures to pry the ex-Netherlands age-grade international out of West Yorkshire.
His partnership with Joe Rodon in central defence has helped forge a successful year thus far, and the pair could continue to thwart the opposition in the top flight next term.
One look at Archie Gray’s time in North London should warn Struijk that the grass is not always greener. The 18-year-old has struggled for minutes in a fully-fit Tottenham squad and has only been handed Premier League opportunities by Postecoglou with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero on the sidelines.
Struijk could have his head turned, but he will be best served remaining at Elland Road. Barring a drastic change in the Championship, Leeds should leave the second tier this season – the Premier League can wait.
In other Leeds United news, 49ers must reach into their pockets at the Whites amid a Keelan Adams transfer reveal.
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