Leeds United receive huge boost in hope of keeping ‘important’ defender this summer

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Leeds United could be one step closer to hanging onto their key defender this summer if reports are to be believed.

After missing out on promotion to the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the EFL Play-Off final, Leeds United have had a frustrating summer.

Archie Gray departed Leeds for a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer with the club embarking on their second season in the EFL Championship under Daniel Farke.

Whilst HITC understands that Crystal Palace are keen on Wilfried Gnonto, who is understood to be keen on departing the club, as the Eagles search for a Michael Olise replacement.

Borussia Monchengladbach identify Maximilian Wober alternative

Another player who has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer is defender Maximilian Wober, who spent the previous campaign on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Monchengladbach’s director Ronald Virkus had previously described Leeds’ reported £15 million price tag for the defender as ‘extremely high’ two months ago.

Another update has emerged about the future of Wober, according to German outlet BILD, who claim that Monchengladbach are looking at alternatives.

The report states that the German side have held discussions with Leeds for the defender, but the Whites demand a ‘double-digit million’ fee for the 26-year-old.

Gladbach, who are now looking to sign AZ Alkmaar’s Riechedly Bazoer, are still keen on Wober but a deal certainly looks far from certain with Leeds demanding more than £10 million.

As for Bazoer, the Dutchman wants to leave Eredivisie side AZ and has refused to sign a new deal with his current side, who could sell him for about €4m (£2.7 million). That fee is significantly less than what Leeds want for Wöber.

Daniel Farke has chance to hand Wober a fresh chance

Gnonto was once keen on leaving Elland Road, particularly last summer when Everton came in for the Italian winger.

If a move for Wober fails to materialise this summer, then the German may well remain at Elland Road which would offer him a fresh chance in Yorkshire.

Farke has also confirmed a month ago that the 26-year-old would be welcomed back into the fold should he opt to stay and fight for his place at Elland Road.

“Max will arrive (in late-July) and start with some testing,” Farke told BBC Radio Leeds. “Hopefully, also with us in the first team on the pitch. It is important to have these lads back.”