Leeds United will perhaps be content with their summer transfer business.
As well as adding to their exciting crop of youngsters beyond the first team, the Whites were able to recruit top-level experience such as Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Raphinha.
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic arguably made things easier for Leeds than it did for most, making available those who might not have been otherwise.
And with player contracts expiring left, right and centre next summer, there may be further opportunities to be had in January.
In fact, several of Leeds’ rumoured summer targets – including the following three – could be going cheap as their deals run down.
Sergio Romero
Club: Manchester United
Position: Goalkeeper
Linked by: ESPN
What’s the latest? Romero has not been involved in any of Manchester United’s games this season and returned to the club this week for talks about his future, according to the M.E.N. The 33-year-old Argentine is now said to be training alone and has been linked with moves to both North and South America. It is claimed the Red Devils have an option to extend Romero’s contract by a further 12 months, but it remains to be seen if they would be so cruel. Illan Meslier has impressed for Leeds, who also have Kiko Casilla as back-up. But Romero would be, arguably, a better option than the latter.
Demarai Gray
Club: Leicester City
Position: Winger
Linked by: Daily Mail
What’s the latest? Gray’s only appearance all season came in Leicester’s EFL Cup third-round tie against Arsenal back in September, and the 24-year-old has failed to make any of Brendan Rodgers’ matchday squads before or since. With Gray having already turned 24, Leicester won’t get a penny if he leaves at the end of his contract and could push for a January sale. After Raphina’s signing, it remains to be seen if Leeds will maintain an interest in the former England Under-21 international.
Julian Draxler
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Position: Attacking midfielder
Linked by: RMC Sport
What’s the latest? Unlike Romero and Gray, Draxler has featured prominently for his side this season, starting five of their eight Ligue 1 matches and scoring two goals. That could convince the Germany international – and Koch colleague – to stay put this winter. Another thing holding Draxler back could be his wages, which are around £120,000-a-week at PSG, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
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