Leeds United summer transfer window latest - what they need, new deals, 23s and FAQs

Leeds United want three first team signings and a handful of Under 23s additions this summer but nothing is imminent just yet.
IN TALKS - Victor Orta has been speaking with Leeds United's number one target for the left-back vacancy. Pic: GettyIN TALKS - Victor Orta has been speaking with Leeds United's number one target for the left-back vacancy. Pic: Getty
IN TALKS - Victor Orta has been speaking with Leeds United's number one target for the left-back vacancy. Pic: Getty

Here's the latest on Victor Orta s summer business.

First team signings

Leeds United want a left-back, a central midfielder and a winger. No deals are imminent just yet. The Whites are quietly confident of landing their number one target when it comes to the left-back and are working towards that deal now, although face competition. There are options for the central midfield slot, including a permanent transfer and a loan deal, but Fulham's Harrison Reed, one of the most recent names to be linked with an Elland Road move, is not on the list of likely targets. Leeds hope to get the midfielder done relatively quickly. The signing of a winger may go a little further into the window, which doesn't close until August 31, with potential market movement elsewhere still to fall into place and a final decision to be taken on who it is Leeds want to fill that vacancy. Noa Lang is a player well liked by Leeds after a stellar season for Club Brugge and one of those among their possible targets.

Adding to the first team is the priority for Orta and his recruitment team and the financial outlay of that business will then dictate what they do in terms of Under 23s additions.

Other first team business

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Jack Harrison will complete a move from Manchester City as expected.

Gjanni Alioski is yet to decide his future but the offer to stay put and sign a contract extension remains on the Elland Road table.

Tyler Roberts won't be the only first team player to sign a new contract with Leeds United. Patrick Bamford's long-term future is an item on the agenda, with one or two others expected to get new deals to reflect their Premier League status.

The Under 23s

Leeds are monitoring several young players, including Celtic defender Leo Hjelde as they plot a recruitment drive for the 23s and academy sides. A young goalkeeper is expected, a centre-half and potentially a couple of midfielders. Some of those on the radar of head of emerging talent Craig Dean would be able to move to Leeds for relatively low compensation costs, while others, like Hjelde, would require fees, so finalising the first team signings will give the club more of an idea of what business they can do at Under 23 level.

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There will be players heading out. Ryan Edmondson has already inked a season-long loan at League One Fleetwood Town and Oliver Casey is expected to finalise a permanent move to Championship new boys Blackpool once his post-holiday quarantine period is complete. Alfie McCalmont's 2021/22 season is likely to be spent away from the club with a loan at a League One club the likeliest outcome. A decision on Robbie Gotts' immediate future is yet to be taken. A number of the 23s, inspired by what Pascal Struijk did quite unexpectedly last season in seizing a first team opportunity and accruing a huge number of Premier League minutes, have set their hearts on staying put to try and do the same. Niall Huggins is among those preferring to stay put than head out on loan.

Pre-season

Leeds players not involved in the Euros are expected back for testing, the precursor to summer training, on July 1. Friendlies won't kick off until Tuesday July 27 when Leeds face Guiseley at Nethermoor Park. A day later they go to Blackburn Rovers and on Friday July 30 the Whites send a team to face Fleetwood.

The kit

No date has been confirmed for the release of the new kit, but it is likely to happen next month rather than in June. First team players, including Robin Koch and Kalvin Phillips, gathered to pose for a promotional shoot at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Leeds city centre before the completion of the 2020/21 season.

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