Leeds United reportedly want to sign Republic of Ireland winger Callum O’Dowda from Lee Johnson’s Championship outfit Bristol City.
Bristol City cannot relax just yet despite extending Callum O’Dowda’s contract until 2020 last week.
According to Sky Sports, Leeds United have identified the Republic of Ireland international as a potential addition before the transfer window shuts at the end of next week.
It is no secret that Marcelo Bielsa is aiming to add a wide midfielder to his squad and O’Dowda, a skilful and fleetfooted talent, would fit the bill especially after Samu Saiz left Elland Road to return to Spain with Getafe.
But, in quotes reported by the Irish Independent, Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has made his feeling clear about the former Oxford United man’s future.
“We want to keep him as long as we can,” said Johnson. “First and foremost, Callum is a fantastic human being and I think that’s important for the culture at the football club.
“It (contract) wasn’t a reaction to speculation. I don’t want to lose Callum. We lost four or five good players last summer and that’s put us in a (financial) position where we now don’t have to lose our best players.
“I’m a big champion of his because I believe in him and I think you saw his athleticism and calmness and composure on the ball today. He’s still got things to improve on with his end product in terms of goals and assists but certainly the potential is there to play at the very top level.”
The Bristol Post report that Leeds would have to make O’Dowda their biggest signing since Robbie Fowler in 2001 to tempt The Robins to sell. It is understood that the high-flying Championship outfit value the 23-year-old at a hefty £10 million.
Leeds have already sealed the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla while the Yorkshire Evening Post claims that they will make a bid for Swansea City’s Daniel James this week too.
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