Leeds United have reportedly been in contact with Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss over a possible transfer, but the Moroccan has other admirers in the Premier League, including Tottenham and Newcastle United.
After a solid outing against AC Milan at the weekend, all eyes now turn to Leeds’ start to the Premier League season against Everton in seven days’ time.
Both United and the Toffees are some way off completing their business for the summer, so the week ahead could be a pivotal one in each squad.
Crucial week ahead in Leeds United’s reported interest for Bilal El Khannouss
One notable target Leeds could finally spring a move for is Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss, after a recent enquiry over his willingness to move to Elland Road.
The 21-year-old holds a £24.5million release clause, but Leeds would have to get a shift on, with that clause due to expire this Friday at the King Power Stadium.
If El Khannouss aimed to put himself in the shop window on Sunday against Sheffield Wednesday, he certainly showed his top flight potential with flashes of quality and two assists, both coming from set-piece deliveries to secure a comeback 2-1 win at home.
| Bilal El Khannouss v SWFC | |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Big chances created | 3 |
| Pass success | 44/56 (79%) |
| Shots (on target) | 5 (1) |
| Dribble success | 3/3 |
| Sofascore.com rating | 8.2 |
Newcastle United enter Bilal El Khannouss running with Spurs seemingly drifting out of the picture for Leeds United target
A worry for Leeds is that clubs higher up the food chain have cast their eye on the Foxes star, and if they are offering European football, it leaves Leeds likely to miss out again.
Tottenham are one of the clubs named in the pursuit of El Khannouss under Thomas Frank, and their interest in signing another attacker has been intensified after James Maddison’s long-term ACL injury setback, leaving them short in the final third.
However, the North London club are instead currently looking into the signing of Manchester City winger Savinho at a going rate of around £43million- per David Ornstein – and the signing of Savinho would be the second right-sided addition to Frank’s squad this summer alongside Mohammed Kudus, and the Brazilian’s arrival would perhaps shift Kudus inside and leave them no longer requiring a move for El Khannouss, already having Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski that also favour the right.
While Spurs might be drifting out of the running, the Telegraph’s John Percy has revealed that Newcastle United hold “strong interest” in the Moroccan:
Newcastle’s struggles this window have been high profile, missing out on several top targets to other clubs, a lot of their targets opting against moving to St James’ Park despite their Champions League qualification.
El Khannouss’ release clause means if Leeds are still keen, they have the ability to match the Magpies in a financial offer, but would face a big test in convincing him to move to West Yorkshire over Tyneside.
Leeds United must act fast to land key attacker additions, including El Khannouss
United need to act fast if they want to land these signings that will enhance their attacking setup, and El Khannouss would absolutely be that player.
His release clause makes him totally attainable for a side in our position, and we need to be working towards getting signings through the doors this week.
Newcastle’s interest makes it more complex for us, as there’s every chance he’d prefer moving to St James’ over Elland Road, given their relatively lofty position compared to us.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Well as usual should of gone for him instead of telling the whole world then do nothing till it’s to late.
If we lose him it’s our own fault. We have dithered and faffed about for weeks. We could have had this wrapped up days ago. Meet his release cause and get on with finding a striker.