Leeds United have been boosted by the news that a “special” transfer target could be allowed to leave his current club, amid their continued interest in him.
Leeds linked with “one of the best” midfielders in the world
The Whites continue to be linked with key signings ahead of their return to the Premier League after their Championship title win, with Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz an audacious target for Daniel Farke’s side, potentially coming in on a loan-to-buy basis.
He has genuine pedigree as a Brazil international and former Premier League player, with Sky Italia perhaps exaggerating a bit when he signed for Juve: “Douglas Luiz in that role is one of the best in the world ever – Signing Douglas Luiz is a global coup!”
Roma teenager Lovro Golic has also been mentioned as a summer target for Leeds, perhaps being seen as more of a long-term investment. While the 19-year-old centre-back is yet to make an appearance at senior level for the Serie A giants, he has featured 83 times across three youth teams.
Meanwhile, the Whites have reportedly submitted an offer for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, which could be an excellent piece of business, considering he has already proven himself in the top flight.
Leeds interested in 2x Premier League champion
According to The Boot Room, Leeds are among the clubs “interested” in signing Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez ahead of next season, with Crystal Palace and West Ham also thought to be in the mix.
While the Reds are “happy” to keep hold of the 28-year-old, the report also states that they would be willing to cash in if the player seeks more playing time. He has shown no signs of unhappiness yet, posting a social media statement celebrating his ten years at the club this week, but would need a starting role elsewhere to force his way into the England set-up for next year’s World Cup.
Gomez could be a perfect summer signing for Leeds, possessing a wealth of experience that has seen him win two Premier League titles with Liverpool. The £85,000-a-week Englishman has often had to accept a squad role, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate preferred, so from a Whites perspective, the hope is that he wants to be a regular somewhere else.
Gomez is a strong central defender with pace to burn, even after some serious injuries down the years, and Arne Slot hailed his attitude last season: “Last season he played many, many, many games – I think you could call him a starter that season – and in some other seasons maybe he was more of the second choice in every other position in the last line.
“For him to keep doing this probably tells you a lot about his mentality but also what he does on a daily basis in training sessions and at home to stay as fit as he is, because he’s incredibly fit and ready to perform. That is more special than people think it is, that’s definitely true.”
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Ultimately, the decision rests with Gomez, who may simply end up deciding to stay at Liverpool, but it appears as though Leeds have a chance of getting him, and Farke should view him as a top option.
