Leeds United latest with major update on January deal and midfielder backed

An update has been given in Leeds United’s ongoing interest in Fulham winger Harry Wilson.

The Whites made progress in their bid to sign the former Liverpool man in the final hours of the summer transfer window and submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League to allow them additional time to complete the finer details of their agreement with the winger and their top flight rivals. However, the Cottagers opted against allowing the move to progress and Wilson has remained a key figure within Marco Silva’s squad during the opening months of the season.

Silva has spoken of his desire to hand a new deal to the winger, saying “Of course, conversations between us and his representatives as well, and let's see what is going to happen, but I know really the aim of him is to stay in the football club, and if we can get an agreement, his future is going to be with us. He's 100 per cent sure, he's part of the business, of course he's looking for what is best for him like the club is trying to get the best for the football club, but I know what his aim is.

"I think it's normal, a player with the quality that he has and [into the] last year [of his] contract in terms of interest in him. For me, it was not a situation, that was the reason he started the first Premier League game before Deadline Day, and he had a great pre-season, probably was the player that had the best pre-season."

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has revealed the Whites ‘remain keen’ on securing a January deal for the Wales midfielder that would see him link up with international team-mates Karl Darlow, Dan James, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu at Elland Road. However, the Cottagers are also said to be looking to tie down Wilson on a new deal to prolong his stay at Elland Road and are focused on strengthening their squad. Dorsett described the possibility of a January move to Leeds as ‘currently deemed unlikely’ and revealed the Cottagers could actually look to sign a winger if Wilson’s fellow wideman Adama Traore was to leave the club.

Whites midfielder backed by Berbatov

Former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov has spoken out over Ilia Gruev’s lack of game-time during the opening three months of Leeds United’s return to the Premier League.

The Bulgaria midfielder joined the Whites from Werder Bremen during the summer of 2023 and went on to make 55 appearances across two seasons in the Championship. Despite undergoing knee surgery during last season, Gruev still made 20 starts as Daniel Farke’s men made a successful push for a return to the top flight by claiming the second tier title on the final day of the campaign.

However, the 25-year-old has made just two starts in the Premier League this season and his last appearance in the starting eleven came in a goalless draw with Newcastle United in August. Since then, Gruev has made just two substitute appearances and has remained on the bench in six other games. Berbatov, who made over 220 appearances during an eight-year stay in the Premier League, has warned his compatriot he must remain patient as he looks to fight for a place in the Whites starting eleven and has to be ‘ready for the moments when he gets a chance’.

He told Bulgarian television channel Nova: “It’s not easy in the Premier League, but he already feels the rhythm and speed, which are very different from other championships. He will also face defeats, as he already does. He must be patient.

“Work on his qualities and be ready for the moments when he gets a chance. Not to give up in the face of difficulties that arise. If he is open to learning, he will develop and bring experience to the national team. The most important thing is that when he looks back – after the end of the season or his career – he is satisfied. I wish him success.”

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