Leeds United are hoping to bolster their defensive department this summer and are leading the charge for a highly-rated centre-back in Europe, according to the latest reports.
Following a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the play-off final two weeks ago, Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon returned to his parent club with his future in doubt. There have been plenty of rumours circulating that Spurs are willing to offload the Wales international this summer, but have slapped a price tag of between £10-15 million on his back which the Whites may be unable to afford.
Leeds United At Crossroads Over £11 Million-Rated Summer Transfer
Daniel Farke’s side will have a far less lucrative budget this time around after failing to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. The West Yorkshire outfit owe £73 million in outstanding credit from player sales by the end of this month and £190 million overall, so supporters can expect there to be an overhaul in the playing staff over the coming months.
Another player who is set for the exit door is centre-back Charlie Cresswell. Journalist Alan Nixon revealed on Sunday afternoon that the 21-year-old has garnered interest from Ligue 1 side Toulouse and German outfits Hannover 96 and Hertha Berlin, while also claiming that Leeds United have dropped their asking price from £5 million to just £3 million to make a sale likelier.
As a result of potentially losing two first-team centre-halves, Farke will need to sign replacements, particularly for Rodon. One player linked with a move to Elland Road is St. Pauli defender Eric Smith, but another name has now emerged from reports in Europe.
Dutch publication Voetbal International have revealed, via The Boot Room, that Leeds are leading the race for PEC Zwolle centre-half Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, who currently boasts a market value of slightly over £2 million, as per FootballTransfers.
Voetbal International are also reporting that Leicester City previously registered interest in the Spanish-born Republic of Ireland U21s international but have backed away after winning promotion to the Premier League, while Southampton are also said to be intrigued by the Real Betis academy product.
Writer’s View
Garcia MacNulty is a really exciting prospect that many clubs will certainly be keeping an eye on. However, given he plays in the Eredivisie, many supporters may not have had the chance to watch him live unless they have followed the Republic of Ireland’s international youth teams closely.
The young defender is a very capable centre-half — having come through the ranks of Betis’ academy in Spain and now playing in The Netherlands — at playing out from the back. He is an incredibly technical player but also dominates in the air too with his 6’5″ frame. Leeds United should definitely look to poach the Irishman from PEC Zwolle before another club in England do.
Deputy Head of Writing
