Leeds United's Championship rivals 'eye' former Newcastle United veteran as Sunderland receive 'formal proposal' for five-goal star

Leeds United kicked their pre-season preparations up a notch this week as Daniel Farke’s side prepare for the 2024/25 campaign, which kicks off in just over three weeks. After the Under-21s and Under-18s faced their counterparts from Rangers on Tuesday, a group of more senior players took to the field in a behind-closed-doors meeting with League One Lincoln City, winning 3-0. Those first-team stars are expected to feature again on Friday at Harrogate Town.

While the players build fitness ahead of Portsmouth's visit to Elland Road, staff behind the scenes continue to work on strengthening the squad ahead of another promotion push. Leeds are among the favourites to go up again but know they face another gruelling campaign, with 23 other sides hoping to beat them and achieve their own goals. There has been plenty of transfer activity across the Championship already, with plenty more to come, and the YEP has rounded up some of the latest stories from across the division.

Blades eye Dummett

Sheffield United are making serious moves in the transfer market and reports suggest they have now set their sights on former Newcastle United man Paul Dummett. TEAMtalk reports that Chris Wilder’s Blades are among several teams keen on the 32-year-old, who is now a free agent after leaving St James’ Park upon the expiration of his contract.

More than a dozen players have already left Sheffield United this summer and Wilder is keen to bring more experience into the squad, eyeing Dummett as a perfect option to fill a gap in the squad on the left side of defence. Despite an ongoing takeover process, five players have been welcomed through the door at Bramall Lane including former Leeds midfielder Jamie Shackleton and reported Whites target Callum O’Hare.

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Ekwah interest

Sunderland could be set to lose midfielder Pierre Ekwah this summer with reports of ongoing talks between them and Udinese. Fabrizio Romano claims the Serie A side have sent a ‘formal proposal’ to the Black Cats, although there is no mention of price or the Championship club’s stance.

Ekwah, 22, registered five goals and two assists in 40 league appearances last season and is highly-regarded by those at the Stadium of Light. The Sunderland Echo also reports that with three years remaining on the midfielder’s contract, Sunderland are in a strong position to do business on their terms - although 35 per cent of any fee will go to former club West Ham United. 

Armstrong bids

Queens Park Rangers look set to bank a seven-figure fee for their young forward Sinclair Armstrong. The Irish Independent reports that a pair of £2.5m offers from Bristol City and Stoke City have been accepted by the Championship outfit, with the decision now down to the player.

With three goals and three assists in 39 appearances, Armstrong has emerged as a capable young asset at Championship-level and QPR have made the decision to cash in on the 21-year-old, who is into the final year of his deal. Bristol were first to enter advanced talks but Stoke have now swooped in with a matching bid, leaving it up to the Ireland youth international.