Leeds United are ‘getting closer’ to meeting Norwich City‘s valuation of Jon Rowe as they step up their interest in the winger, according to Sky Sports.
Daniel Farke is targeting a like-for-like replacement for last season’s top scorer Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman departed Elland Road last week for West Ham United in a deal in excess of £25 million.
This has left the squad with a gaping hole on the left side of the attack. It’s one the manager is keen to fill, especially with their season due to kick off on Saturday against League One champions Portsmouth.
This is where Jon Rowe comes in. The 21-year-old became a regular fixture in the Canaries’ team last season in what proved to be his breakthrough campaign. He featured 32 times in the Championship, a figure which was only hampered by an injury he picked up in February.
Despite the setback, he still finished the season with 12 goals and was pivotal to David Wagner’s attack. This has led to interest from both home and abroad, with Premier League clubs also said to be keeping tabs on the youngster.
Still, it’s Leeds who are keen to get a deal done as they target promotion from the second tier. Talks have taken place between the two teams and it has been claimed that an opening offer of £7 million was set to be made. However, that figure is well short of Norwich’s valuation, which has been reported to be closer to £15 million.
According to Sky Sports, talks are continuing, although no official offer has been made. Leeds do appear to be making headway though and are edging closer to their Championship rivals’ asking price.
It’s also said that the Yorkshire outfit remain keen on Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, although they face competition from a number of clubs.
Writer’s View
Leeds aren’t hanging about here and are clearly keen to avoid a repeat of last season. Uncertainty in the transfer market led to a slow start to the season, ultimately costing them promotion at the first time of asking.
Losing a player of the calibre of Crysencio Summerville was a huge blow, albeit not an unexpected one. Jon Rowe is coming off the back of a fantastic season for Norwich and Daniel Farke has identified the young Englishman as the ideal replacement for their outgoing talisman. Negotiations won’t be easy and don’t expect an imminent breakthrough. However, it does look like his time at Carrow Road is coming to a premature end. Where he ends up though remains to be seen.
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