The pursuit of centre-back depth continues for Leeds. Where a lot of attention has been on Rodrigo De Paul, Leeds United transfer news has featured a lot of defenders over the last few weeks and that theme continues with the latest from Football Insider.
Football Insider claim Leeds are trying to add a defender for the first team and another who can slot into the under-23s to be developed. Calum Chambers is reportedly a target for the Whites on a season-long loan.
The second player mentioned is a lesser-known name in Brighton’s Haydon Roberts. Roberts is a talented young star, and would be the one to initially play for the under-23s.
Football Insider reported last week that Leeds made a six-figure bid for Roberts, as they once again open negotiations with Brighton after a lengthy, and ultimately failed, chase for Ben White earlier this off-season.
Other Premier League clubs have shown significant interest in both players. A player of Roberts’ potential will attract many of the top sides around the country, and is also thought to be on RB Leipzig’s radar.
Leeds will be wary of a bidding war developing for the youngster.
Chambers has been made available by Arsenal after the north London club bolstered their defensive options during the transfer window.
Leeds had previously attempted to lure Rob Holding to Elland Road, but a change of heart from Mikel Arteta meant Holding was not available.
Chambers, in contrast, is clearly not needed at the club. A ruptured ACL midway through last season has sidelined the former Southampton man throughout 2020.
His return date from injury is unknown at this point, but it’s an important factor to look out for as this transfer saga develops.
Gvardiol Future Confirmed
Reputable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted in the early hours of Monday morning, confirming Leeds have missed out on Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol.
Following on from recent reports, Romano claims Leeds had a fee agreed for Gvardiol, but that the defender has opted to move elsewhere.
His next club will be Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, who can promise Champions League football and have a reputation for developing young players.
Romano tweeted the following, “Leeds are now out of the race to sign Josko Gvardiol. #LUFC agreed fee with Dinamo but Gvardiol refused last contract bid - he’s going to join RB Leipzig, as per Sportske Novotski.
He continued: "Still no agreement for Rodrigo de Paul with Udinese. Last bid [€25m] has been turned down.”
The rumours about Gvardiol have rumbled on for a few weeks. Leeds will obviously be disappointed to miss out on such an exciting young talent, but it’s helpful to get some clarity on his future and still have time to make other moves in the transfer window.
Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*
