Leeds are one of several Premier League clubs linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko. Matviyenko isn’t the first defender in Leeds United transfer news this window, and it’s unlikely he will be the last.
Per 90 min, Matviyenko is available for £20 million this summer and multiple Premier League clubs have shown an interest. Everton, West Ham and Wolves could all provide stiff competition for Leeds.
Several clubs around Europe are also thought to be interested in Matviyenko, who featured for Shakhtar on their way to the Europa League semi-finals earlier this month.
His primary position is centre-back, but the Ukraine international is comfortable playing on the left when required. The £20 million fee isn’t cheap, though it is certainly affordable for Premier League clubs.
Matviyenko could be lured in by other clubs around Europe, however, with Napoli, Leipzig, Monaco and Bayern Munich interested.
This could become a bidding war. There might be better value options for Leeds on the market.
Arsenal's Chambers Linked With Leeds
According to reports from TEAMTalk, Leeds have begun talks with Arsenal about acquiring Calum Chambers.
This comes just days after news broke Leeds were interested in Chambers’ teammate Rob Holding.
Covered at 888sport, Leeds have prioritised bringing in defensive upgrades this window and there’s no doubt Chambers or Holding would be just that.
Having spent six years with Arsenal, the Gunners are clearly keen to part ways with Chambers. They have bolstered their defensive ranks with the permanent transfer of Pablo Mari and are on the verge of signing Gabriel from Lille.
Chambers has been loaned out from Arsenal in the past, but it seems they are looking sell on this occasion. It is unknown what fee Arsenal would demand for Chambers, who they signed for £12 million from Southampton.
Leeds Chase Barcelona Target
Leeds have ‘accelerated’ their move for Lazio defender Luiz Felipe in recent hours, according to La Lazio Siamo Noi. Felipe, a 23-year-old Brazilian, is reportedly wanted by Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but that has not deterred Leeds.
La Lazio Siamo Noi claims Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has been in contact with Leeds as the clubs look to work out a deal.
At this stage, Leeds allegedly are offering around £27 million for Felipe, but Lazio are holding out for somewhere closer to £35 million.
Since the Ben White deal fell through, centre-backs have been linked with Leeds on a daily basis. Felipe is just the latest, and Phil Hay of The Athletic recently claimed Robin Koch would be their priority.
Whether the deal goes through or not, it is exciting for Leeds fans to see their club linked with players of Felipe’s calibre.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
