Leeds face Suzuki blow, assess Kelly, and eye Brandt boost
Leeds’ TV picks: Brentford home Sun 30 Aug 14:00, Brighton away Sat 5 Sep, Newcastle home Mon 14 Sep 20:00* and Crystal Palace home Sat 19 Sep. *Subject to EFL Cup scheduling.
Everton are targeting former Leeds loanee Djed Spence after his England World Cup displays. The right-back has three years on his Spurs deal and could seek a starting role at Goodison Park.
Chelsea are pursuing Pep Chavarria, easing fears over a Gabriel Gudmundsson move. Leeds aim to keep the £10m left wing-back and add a natural left-footed deputy this summer.
Leeds assess left-footed centre-back Lloyd Kelly, with Juventus seeking around £25-30m. After Pascal Struijk’s exit, Kelly is viewed as cost-effective versus £40m-rated Ladislav Krejci, though no active pursuit is under way.
After Donald Trump’s call aided Folarin Balogun’s red card reprieve, Leeds striker Lukas Nmecha posted a two-word jab on Instagram, while Brenden Aaronson remained with the USA at the World Cup.
Leeds are linked in Italy with Parma midfielder Mandela Keita for around £25m as a Shea Charles alternative. Claims of advanced talks are doubted, but alternatives are being weighed.
Leeds seek a swift exit for Isaac Schmidt after Werder Bremen declined an option to buy. The 26-year-old left-sided player is not in plans, with Gabriel Gudmundsson first choice at left-back.
Real Betis are reported to have ruled themselves out of signing free agent Julian Brandt, handing Leeds encouragement as they explore creativity in the market alongside the widely expected arrival of Harry Wilson.
Reports linking Leeds with Nico Elvedi are played down. The 29-year-old right-sided centre-back is seen as low priority, with focus on replacing left-footed Pascal Struijk.
Leeds eye another Premier League-experienced signing likened to Anton Stach, aiming to repeat last summer’s profile of recruits. Details remain scarce.
Ex-Leeds keeper Illan Meslier is set to join Arsenal pending a medical, according to The Athletic. He lost his place under Daniel Farke after errors and exited Elland Road last month.
Leeds are in the race for Parma centre-back Mariano Troilo. Fulham had a €20m bid rejected, with Parma wanting more than €20m. Sunderland also compete, and no fresh offers have arrived.
Leeds will prioritise a new deal for Brenden Aaronson, who is entering the final year of his contract. Talks are planned on his return, with a January sale possible if no agreement is reached.
Adam Pope says Leeds and Daniel Farke have yet to agree a new contract, with talks ongoing. The 49ers are discussing a three-year plan, but no deal is signed as pre-season nears.
Parma keeper Zion Suzuki rejects Leeds despite a £26m bid and five-year deal, with Juventus interest a factor. Leeds must resolve goalkeeping plans as Karl Darlow ponders a contract offer and Lucas Perri’s future remains unclear.
Leeds prospect Harry Gray, 17, joins Sheffield Wednesday on loan. He cites Hillsborough’s atmosphere and 24,000 season tickets as key, and reunites with ex-Leeds captain Liam Cooper.
Hull City have parted with sporting director Jared Dublin, creating uncertainty that could delay talks over a permanent deal for Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt.
