Midfielder snubs Leeds United return with new deal, family member hates Elland Road – Report
The Whites are in need of signings in more than a handful of positions before the end of the summer, but are no closer to making any of them happen.
Ethan Ampadu’s arrival in midfield has helped the quality of the side significantly, but he needs more support in the middle of the park.
As named above, speculation has seen Grimes linked with a move to Southampton, following manager Russell Martin to St Mary’s, but journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Leeds were also in for the midfielder.
This new deal sees Grimes turn down the chance to re-join Leeds after a very unsuccessful loan stint with the club back in 2016/17.
It’s an Elland Road stint that fans will recall ended so sourly with social media posts emerging seemingly from Grimes’ mother, “buzzing” that her son was leaving “that place with horrid fans”.
That stint in 16/17 under Monk was just enough for him to never want to consider coming back to Leeds, unless it’s to pick up three points for Swansea, which his side celebrated immensely in 19/20.
He is best off staying at Swansea, because that’s where he’s playing his best football and is proving to be one of the better midfielders in the division.
Despite having already played three games of their Championship season so far, things are far from settled for Leeds manager, Daniel Farke.
The German’s short tenure at the club appears to have been underscored by upheaval at every turn, including having Willy Gnonto effectively going on strike and handing in a written transfer request.
One player is even likely to continue playing as a starter but only for the purpose of being put in the ‘shop window.’
That’s according to sources speaking
It’s believed that the all whites will demand between £20m-£25m for his services, and that’s perhaps why there haven’t been any significant offers for the custodian at this stage.
Meslier’s form dipped towards the back end of the 2022/23 campaign as Leeds spiralled towards relegation. Prior to that point, there weren’t any question marks over the keeper.
News that the club are willing to sell him in the current window would suggest that Farke has lost confidence in Meslier’s ability.
With two weeks left of the window, there’s time to get a deal done but Leeds may have to revisit their sale price if they want to ensure he’s moved on.
Leeds United are reportedly keen on signing Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean this month as they lose Tyler Adams to Bournemouth for £23m.
The Whites need midfield recruitments before the end of the summer, having seen Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, and Adam Forshaw all leave.
Tyler Adams has joined that list as he completes his £23million move from Leeds to Bournemouth, meaning Daniel Farke is still at the bare bones with his squad
Kenny McLean to Leeds?
TEAMtalk are reporting that Leeds are reacting to the blow of losing Adams by pursuing a move to sign Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean.
It is claimed that Leeds are targeting the 31-year-old as a means to add much-needed experience to a youthful midfield setup, with Archie Gray having featured heavily this season
An issue for Leeds is that they may have to pay a decent amount to the Canaries to sign him this month, as the report reads:
“Although, Leeds will need to put up a convincing bid to strike an agreement. That is because McLean still has two years left to run on his Norwich contract, and the Canaries would be reluctant to lose him to one of their Championship rivals.”
McLean would add some experience to our side, having been part of both of Farke’s title-winning sides, as well as knowing what the role in midfield requires.
He’s a Farke-ready player if there is such a thing, which could be why this is tempting.
However, there are better ways to add experience to the side without heading for someone who will be 33 next year, and represent no sell-on value.
If Norwich are asking for a decent fee here, we need to look elsewhere.
Leeds United quiz: Is Elland Road’s capacity higher or lower than these 15 EFL stadiums?
