Yet to complete their first move of the summer, Leeds United and the 49ers are now reportedly lining up a deal to sign a relegated Premier League defender for Daniel Farke.
Leeds set to commence summer business
Whilst those at Elland Road are yet to welcome their first summer arrival, it’s not been for the want of trying. Several fresh names have been linked with a move to the Yorkshire club in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen just who arrives. Among those names is Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, who would be an instant upgrade on Illan Meslier this summer.
The veteran shot-stopper is an England international and the type of arrival that Farke desperately needs if he is to navigate survival at the first time of asking. Pope is not the only one on Leeds’ reported radar, however.
Gustavo Hamer has also found himself in the headlines as of late. The Sheffield United star suffered playoff heartbreak courtesy of Sunderland at the end of the season, but could yet step into the Premier League without the Blades.
Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe had his say on the club’s potential transfer activity this summer when speaking to reporters last month, saying: “I’m not really ready to go into that, but yes, your speculation is probably right.
“It’s going to be a mix of seeing if there are inbounds along with outbounds. And that’s probably, that’s probably accurate, but really not ready to go into more detail than that. But we are looking at maximizing what we can do, and so that involves the whole bag, ins and outs.”
Of course, one market that the Whites could take full advantage of is relegated stars who will be desperate to regain their Premier League place, and that could yet include one impressive defender.
Leeds lining up Dara O’Shea move
According to The Sun, Leeds and the 49ers are now lining up a summer swoop to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town. The relegated Tractor Boys have already lost Liam Delap, but could still be picked apart even further.
Despite his side’s relegation, O’Shea still impressed at Portman Road and may have done enough to keep hold of his place in the top flight. If that does prove to be the case courtesy of Leeds, then Farke would instantly have impressive defensive depth to choose from in Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and the Ipswich star.
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Kieran McKenna will be desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old, however, having told reporters earlier in the season: “His character and his nature is always going to be beneficial in times of struggle and challenge because he’s a resilient person, he’s a fighter and he’s got character.
“I haven’t had many conversations with him about his experiences (of relegation) with Burnley and West Brom. But I’m sure those experiences have really helped him with us.”
With former club Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers also reportedly interested in a move to sign O’Shea, Leeds should make their move as soon as possible and get their summer business underway.
