Leeds United are battling with Stoke City to sign Angus Gunn.
Stoke could argue they stand a better chance of going up after only just suffering relegation, but Leeds currently have two distinct advantages over them.
The first is that Stoke are still without a manager and so cannot effectively sell themselves to Gunn, and the second is goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Butland is arguably Stoke’s top asset, their only player to make the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, where he is battling to be first choice.
Yet while he remains at Stoke, it is harder for them to win the battle with Leeds for Gunn’s signature.
Paul Lambert, manager at the time, joked that £35 million would only afford one of Butland’s gloves.
Time is running out for Stoke to close a sale before the World Cup, and they may not want to, as him starring at the tournament – if he plays – could see his transfer value soar.
Yet while this waiting game goes on, Stoke’s chances of persuading Gunn are tougher, playing into Leeds United’s hands.
Conversely a quick sale of Butland before the World Cup would be bad news for Leeds, as there would be a clear spot available for the in-demand Gunn.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
