Leeds United want to sign Antwerp star Mandela Keita, he wants to move
Leeds United want to sign Antwerp star Mandela Keita this summer and face competition from several other English clubs, according to Nieuwsblad.
Writing on their website (9 May), the Belgian news outlet report that the Red Devils international is a target for the Whites as well as Norwich, Blackburn, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Manchester United.
The midfielder, who turns 22 on May 10, “wants to move” away from Belgium, but Antwerp are “aiming for the jackpot” when it comes to a fee for his services.
Leeds United need midfield reinforcements
The summer transfer window at Elland Road is going to be busy, but the business they can do will depend on which league they’re playing in.
After Daniel Farke’s side missed out on automatic promotion they will need to successfully navigate the playoffs for the first time in their history if they want to get back to the Premier League, or they’ll face another year in the Championship.
But with the Keita race, there is a chance that the division won’t matter too much because of the stage of the development he is at.
Getting a deal done quickly would be to their advantage, with the Whites having shown an interest in him last summer too. And midfield is a position that is in need of strengthening no matter what.
Farke only has four midfield options currently and with Ethan Ampadu and Archie Gray playing in defence regularly that has meant options are thin. Keita would be a great arrival and would fit into the young squad well, so this is one to keep an eye on for sure.
In other Leeds news, Simon Jordan has issued his verdict on Will Ferrell’s investment at Elland Road.
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