Leeds United are now targeting the transfer of Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean to replace Tyler Adams, with the American set to have a medical at AFC Bournemouth.
That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that Leeds coach Daniel Farke is now looking to reunite with McLean. The 31-year-old played 114 times under the German boss at Carrow Road from 2018 to 2021. They also helped the Canaries to two Championship titles together.
Farke guided the Norfolk natives into the Premier League as the second-tier champions with McLean in 2018/19 and 2020/21. Norwich initially agreed a deal to sign the 30-cap Scotland technician from Aberdeen in January 2018. He stayed at the Premiership club until that June.
Farke wants Leeds to target McLean’s transfer from Norwich
McLean would help Norwich win the Championship title in his first season under Farke with three goals and six assists. He only played in 20 games that term but remained a key part of the manager’s top-flight plans. The Rutherglen native played 37 times in the Premier League.
His return to the Championship in 2020/21 would also yield two goals and six assists from 38 appearances. Yet it was not enough to stop Norwich sacking Farke in November 2021. While McLean ended that campaign injured and with another relegation following 31 appearances.
An injury also ensured he ended the 2022/23 term on the sidelines after one goal and three assists in 35 Championship games. Now, Farke wants Leeds to eye McLean’s transfer from Norwich to add title-winning expertise to his squad. But the Canaries will be reluctant to sell.
Farke eyes McLean to replace the Bournemouth-bound Adams
Norwich view Leeds as a rival for promotion to the Premier League this season and also have McLean under contract until 2025. He has also started their first two games of the campaign as David Wagner’s captain. McLean adopted the armband with Grant Hanley still out injured.
But Farke hopes Leeds can tempt Norwich to grant McLean’s transfer as he looks to replace the Bournemouth-bound Adams. The Whites boss is still a big fan of McLean, having praised his ‘quality’ passing and goal threat at Carrow Road. The Scot also offers a versatile addition.
Leeds are open to reinforcing their midfield before the transfer window ends with Adams on his way to Bournemouth. The Athletic notes the Whites and Cherries have agreed on a deal worth an initial £23m plus add-ons. While Adams will have his medical this Friday afternoon.
Adams is set to sign a five-year contract at Dean Court after prolonged discussions between Leeds and Bournemouth. The Elland Road natives rebuffed the south coast side’s belief that they triggered a time-limited £20m release clause. But the Cherries have got a deal in place.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
