The Chelsea teenager looks set to leave and Leeds United should make a move unless someone agrees to his alleged wage demands.
Such is Dominic Solanke’s talent that the great and the good of the game are likely to be queuing up to sign him if he leaves Chelsea on a free transfer this summer, but there is one sleeping giant that should do everything in their power to get their man.
Leeds United are pushing hard for promotion back to the Premier League this season and assuming they get there they should try to convince Solanke that his interests would be best served at Elland Road.
While Leeds have been away from the top table of English football for some time, their return to the top flight would immediately propel them to the upper echelons, such is their history and fan base, so while Solanke may be tempted by some of the current big boys, he would be better off moving to the Whites.
There he could play regularly, honing his talent under a young manager in the form of Garry Monk who has no issue putting his faith in youth.
The big issue will be Solanke’s wage demands, with the Daily Mail recently claiming the teenager’s hopes of a new £50,000-a-weel contract have scuppered a long-term Chelsea stay.
But that said, wanting and getting are two very different things and it is hard to believe any club – even the richest in the land – will commit £200,000 every month to a player yet to prove his ability in the Premier League.
If someone stumps up the cash, of course Leeds cannot compete, but if Monk can convince the talented teenager that the Whites are ready to make up for lost time, Solanke may be making the smartest decision of his fledgling career opting to develop and blossom at Elland Road.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
