Leeds United are reportedly confident in their ability to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, according to TEAMtalk.
The report (1 January) suggests that Leeds are ahead of Wolves in the race for the 28-year-old, who has previously worked with Daniel Farke at Gladbach and could leave the Bundesliga side after spending 10 years there [GiveMeSport, 31 December].
Farke is said to be content with his current squad at Elland Road, which could delay a move for Elvedi until the summer unless some departures open up space for new arrivals.
TEAMtalk’s report indicates that Elvedi is valued around £10million, a sum that could be within the reach of a Championship club this January.
Farke has expressed interest in players he has worked with before, with Leeds recently linked to his former Norwich City players like Josh Sargent and, more recently, Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia [TEAMtalk, 31 December].
Elvedi, a centre-back who can also play right-back, would be the kind of versatile player Farke might need, particularly with Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram both recently sidelined due to injuries against Blackburn Rovers (1 January).
While Farke has suggested that Leeds may not be very active in the winter market, his past frustrations in the summer window may lead to action if he feels defensive depth is needed to strengthen the squad for the remainder of the season.
Leeds must take £12.5m transfer gamble after latest development, he could seal promotion
Leeds United could secure promotion to the Premier League if they manage to sign Louie Barry from Aston Villa, who are reportedly looking to offload the forward in a permanent deal worth £12.5million.
Leeds were among several clubs linked with a loan move for Barry after a strong stint at Stockport County, but any potential deal is now expected to be permanent.
According to The Telegraph (1 January), Villa now plan to sell Barry instead of loaning him out, setting an asking price of £12.5m for the 21-year-old (TEAMtalk).
While Leeds already have strong options in wide-left positions with Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani, a deal for Barry could still be worth considering despite this shift in Villa’s stance.
Signing Barry on loan was seen as a risk due to his lack of experience in the Championship, but his performances this season have been impressive.
However, the risk becomes greater with a permanent transfer if Villa are seeking a significant fee, though it might be a gamble Leeds are willing to take to demonstrate their ambition.
To maintain their position at the top of the Championship, Leeds may need to make some top-tier signings, and the finances for a potential deal could resemble those in the signing of Emi Buendia.
At this point, other clubs may be hesitant to meet Villa’s asking price for Barry, given that his potential has mainly been displayed in League One, which could give Leeds a clearer opportunity to secure him.
Villa could lower their price as the window progresses or revert to their initial decision to loan Barry out, meaning Leeds may need to be patient before acting on any potential deal.
