Former Leeds man Noel Whelan would love to see Leeds sign Rob Holding from Arsenal. Holding has appeared in Leeds United transfer news after the their pursuit of Ben White came to an end.
Football Insider reported Holding as a potential Leeds target recently. Still only 24 years old, Holding would bring Premier League experience to this Leeds squad, but he only managed eight appearances in the top flight last season after a major knee injury.
Whelan is confident Holding will improve if he moves to Leeds.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said, “He has a lot of Premier League experience and it feels like he has been around forever for a player that is only 24.
"He has not hit the best stages of his football yet and given a good run in the side you will see a better player, a more consistent player.”
Whelan continued, emphasising the importance of recruiting players with Premier League experience like Holding.
“The more Premier League experience the better as far as I am concerned. He would add undoubted quality to the side while also giving guidance to the younger players.”
Rodrigo Breakthrough For Leeds
Super Deporte reports Leeds are moving closer to completing a deal for Valencia striker Rodrigo. Crucially, they claim Valencia met with the agents of Borja Mayoral, a Real Madrid forward, on Monday to try and land Rodrigo’s replacement.
It was added that Leeds have moved closer in their negotiations with Valencia and are discussing a contract with Rodrigo’s father. The player is almost convinced by the move.
As covered here at 888sport yesterday, Leeds were preparing a bid for Rodrigo, but reports from Spain suggest a deal is much closer than initially thought.
After it was believed Valencia were looking for around £25 million for the Spaniard, the latest news claims that figure is north of £30 million.
Leeds have been linked with an array of strikers. Rodrigo is perhaps the best-known, but Ollie Watkins, Arthur Cabral and Michy Batshuayi are all good options, too.
Marcelo Bielsa is very keen to have a new striker in his squad for the season-opener next month.
Leeds Close In On Greenwood
Leeds might not have made many major first team signings so far, but they have been very active in adding to their collection of young talent.
The Athletic reported Sam Greenwood will be the next young star to move to Elland Road, joining Dani van den Heuvel, Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Allen.
Greenwood will move into the under-23s on his arrival from Arsenal, though Leeds will be keeping a keen eye on his progress. Able to play anywhere across the front line, the 18-year-old could be in the first team before long.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
