Sam Greenwood exit deal from Leeds breaks down in Aston Villa twist
Leeds United look to have had a Sam Greenwood sale negatively impacted by Aston Villa ahead of the summer window.
The 23-year-old has spent the season on loan at Deepdale and has been a regular as the Lilywhites look set for another mid-table finish.
This comes after another loan stint away from Elland Road last campaign, as Daniel Farke appears to have reservations about the attacking midfielder.
This could result in a summer sale, but that appears to have been dealt a blow as Aston Villa look set to agree a transfer of their own.
Preston want Aston Villa deal over Greenwood
There was a time where the academy ace was a semi-regular inclusion with the LS11 club in the Premier League, but things haven’t gone well since then.
| Competition (2022/23 season) | Appearances |
| Premier League | 18 |
| FA Cup | 3 |
| Carabao Cup | 2 |
| Total | 23 |
After signing from Arsenal’s under-18 side in 2020, it is fair to say that expectations were high for the attacker who did go on to score just once for the Whites.
He hasn’t truly been given the chance to shine for Leeds in the second tier after being loaned out on two separate occasions.
This could point towards a summer move away from Elland Road, but it looks unlikely that a permanent switch to Deepdale is on the cards.
The Sun reported on 13 April (page 57) that Paul Heckingbottom’s side are backing away from a deal to sign the 23-year-old permanently.
The Englishman is on a current loan with a view to buy, but funds are now set to be spent elsewhere in the squad in Lancashire.
With that being said, Preston are said to want Aston Villa loanee Kaine Kesler-Hayden to return next campaign but look to be “up against it”.
Leeds must find alternative Greenwood destination
After the win against the Lilywhites in LS11 on Saturday (12 April), Farke’s side are staring promotion directly in the face.
Sheffield United’s late defeat against Plymouth Argyle opened up a five-point gap with just four games to go, which could have a telling impact.
If a place in the Premier League is to be earned, there is no doubt that a sale for Greenwood would make complete sense for all parties.
The Englishman will be competing with the likes of Brendan Aaronson and Joel Piroe in the side and just isn’t up to that standard.