Fulham are leading Leeds United in the race to sign the Arsenal midfielder, Emile Smith-Rowe, according to The Daily Star.
Both sides were linked with moves for Smith-Rowe earlier this week, despite Arsenal having reportedly ‘knocked back an enquiry from Monaco’.
But Leeds appear to be facing an uphill battle to land the former Huddersfield loanee, whom it’s claimed is ‘open to a move to Fulham’.
Smith-Rowe grew up in London, albeit in the south of England’s capital, and the chance to stay there could have a significant bearing on any decision with which he is faced.
The 20-year-old can play anywhere across the middle third of the pitch, including out wide. But it is in a central role that he starred for Huddersfield last season, scoring or making five goals in 19 Championship games.
Leeds have been strongly linked with a move for Ryan Kent of Rangers, and Smith-Rowe would, on paper, be a decent alternative if Kent cannot be prised from Ibrox.
Fulham, who came up behind Leeds last season, are also in pole position to sign the Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina and want the West Ham winger Grady Diangana, according to The Daily Star.
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