Leeds United eyeing Fulham youngster but Norwich City's Emi Buendia not among Whites' top targets

The 18-year-old has been tracked for a number of years by the Whites' head of emerging talent Craig Dean and is seen as one of a small group of young talents who could be brought to Elland Road this summer, along with the senior players they have identified as possible additions. Drameh is reportedly valued at around £400,000 but the Telegraph report that the Cottagers would want a sell-on clause in the deal. The costs involved would not have made sense for Leeds as a Championship side, but ascension to the Premier League and the 10-fold increase in TV revenue has allowed Leeds to chase these kinds of deals.

The right-back, in the last year of his contract at Fulham, would be expected to train with the first team, play for the Under 23s and eventually push for a place in Marcelo Bielsa's squad, in the way other youngsters have done since the Argentine took charge of Leeds two years ago. He is yet to make a league debut in professional football but has featured in three EFL Trophy games for Fulham.

Leeds, who are also closing in on the signing of Wigan Athletic's 18-year-old forward Joe Gelhardt, want to bolster the number of young prospects at Thorp Arch who will provide cover for senior players and, in time, challenge for their places. The club are also eyeing loan stints away from Elland Road for some of their current young players who have been through a similar process already and now require first team football.

When it comes to their top transfer targets this summer, Leeds have already put out offers for players but the YEP understands Norwich City attacker Emi Buendía is not one of those, despite being a player director of football Victor Orta has long admired.

The PA News Agency reported today that relegated Norwich were prepared to cash in on Buendia, with the 23-year-old eager to remain in the Premier League.

Orta, who was spotted at Manchester Airport by an eagle-eyed Whites fan this morning, has left the country to meet a potential signing.

Leeds, whose players return to training next week, want to add quality to their squad ahead of the new season but also want to maintain the same theme of continuity that led them out of 2019 play-off heartbreak to 2020 title-winning success.

Bielsa is yet to sign a contract extension but the club remain confident he will stay to take on the top flight and he has faith in the players that earned the club's place in English footballing elite.