Leeds United want Kai Wagner and the Philadelphia Union star is now expected to complete a move to Europe in the January window.
It’s hard to ignore the ever-growing American flavour at Elland Road.
49ers Enterprises continue their involving at Leeds and are understood to be eyeing a full takeover in the near future.
Jesse Marsch is on board as manager and he has been joined by two more Americans with Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams joining this summer.
Leeds may even fancy one more move with American ties – but a deal won’t be easy.
Leeds United want Kai Wagner
The Whites have been interested in a Major League Soccer star with Kai Wagner on the Leeds radar.
Reports in America suggested in August that Leeds boss Marsch had held talks with Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin about a potential deal for Wagner.
The summer deadline passed without a deal though, even with Leeds seeking a new left back.
Junior Firpo picked up an injury in pre-season and didn’t really impress in his debut Premier League season, so more competition would be ideal.
Pascal Struijk isn’t really a natural at left back so Wagner made complete sense – especially with Marsch having a great knowledge of MLS stars.
With eight assists in his last 23 games for Philadelphia Union, the German has shown that he is now ready for a major step up.
MLS reporter Tom Bogert now reports that Wagner is ‘absolutely’ expected to be sold to a European club in the January window.
However, Bogert adds that Leeds are not the only club interested and a deal will be now ‘difficult’ for them to pull off given added competition since the summer.
Other clubs are seemingly sitting up and taking notice of Wagner’s excellent displays over in the States and Leeds suddenly look like they could miss out.
That would be a blow after such strong summer links, but there is plenty of time for Leeds to push and attempt to tee up a January deal.
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