Leeds are reportedly keen on Torino’s Lyanco, a 23-year-old defender. Since missing out on Ben White, Leeds United transfer news has featured a lot of links to defenders.
Gazzetta dello Sport listed Leeds alongside PSV Eindhoven and Bologna as potential landing spots for Lyanco. Sporting were also suggested as a suitor for Lyanco, but their first bid was turned down according to Tuttosport.
Sporting’s initial offer was €6 million plus 50% of the next transfer fee. That was deemed insufficient by Torino, who want around €12 million and bonuses on top of that.
Lyanco started 15 Serie A matches last season, all at centre-back. Leeds are going to busy over the next few weeks, and a centre-back is clearly near the top of their priorities.
Both John Stones and Robin Koch have been mentioned as potential alternatives to White – Lyanco joins that list.
Valencia Hoping To Convince Rodrigo To Move
The Rodrigo to Leeds transfer story is picking up pace. Cope Valencia reports Rodrigo’s current club are looking to convince him to accept the move to Elland Road.
Anil Murthy, Valencia’s lead director, is keen on Rodrigo leaving the club. Predicted transfer fees have varied from anywhere between the mid-twenty million range up towards £40 million. Cope believes it will be ‘more than €30 million’.
Las Provincias claims Rodrigo was left out of training on Tuesday. That makes it sound like the deal is close, but it is worth noting that similar happened when Rodrigo was supposedly close to a move to Atletico Madrid last season.
Leeds have the option to spread the cost if they desire. Valencia are not fussy about how the deal is structured, so long as they get the fee they want. A loan deal with a mandatory fee at the end of the season is possible according to Provincias.
Atletico Madrid could yet come back in for the Spanish international – Rodrigo to Leeds is far from a foregone conclusion.
Leeds Want Arsenal Starlet On Loan
Per the Daily Mail, Leeds are one of several clubs looking to acquire Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe this offseason. Monaco had a bid rejected for Smith Rowe, while Crystal Palace are interested in signing him on a permanent basis.
Leeds and fellow newly promoted side Fulham could make a move for the 20-year-old on loan, allowing him to get experience in the Premier League.
Smith Rowe impressed during a loan with Huddersfield Town in the second half of last season, but he has made just two Premier League appearances in his career to date and could be ready to make the step up.
Arsenal are seemingly not keen on selling Smith Rowe as Mikel Arteta would like to work with him. That could give Leeds or Fulham an opportunity to take him on loan – Leeds are looking to add creativity to their squad and Smith Rowe fits the bill.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
