Report: Manchester United tell 22-year-old he can leave permanently and Leeds are keen

The Manchester Evening News have reported that Manchester United and Erik ten Hag have informed Brandon Williams that he is free to leave Old Trafford on a permanent basis – amid reports that Leeds United are interested.

Williams, 22, managed just one senior outing for Manchester United last season. Entering the final 12 months of his contract, his future is in doubt. It looks likely he has played his last game for Manchester United, after 51 games.

The England U21 left-back, of course, played under Daniel Farke and alongside Sam Byram at Norwich on loan, 29 times. The Independent recently said that Leeds were keen on a reunion between Farke and Williams this summer.

Now, the MEN claim Williams has been told that he can leave the club on a permanent basis this summer – if the offer on the table is a suitable one. Leeds’ need for a left-back remains, especially with Leo Hjelde close to an exit

Manchester United inform Williams he is free to leave amid Leeds reports

Sky Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Hjelde is on the verge of a move to Serie A side Salernitana – and while it is unclear if it is a loan or on a permanent basis, he will need replacing. Byram has of course joined on a free.

But he is right-footed. Stuart Dallas is still some way away from returning to action in a Leeds shirt. So, Leeds need a left-back and lets be honest, we have needed a left-back for a number of years. Junior Firpo is also still sidelined.

So, landing Williams is becoming a priority. Joe Rodon’s arrival means Leeds no longer need a right-sided centre-back. But left-back, a no.10 and a striker is now crucial. Williams would be a wonderful signing if possible at Leeds.

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Hay reported on 15 August that the atmosphere at Leeds’ training ground has been one in which so many players have been waiting to see what offers may come their way, amid plenty of departures and even more speculation.

Following their relegation from the Premier League, Leeds have seen the majority of their star players leave the club, while those that remain have been shrouded in speculation with transfer rumours consistently focused on Elland Road.

If the Leeds United players aren’t discussing their futures with their teammates, they won’t be sharing any discontent or desire to leave, which may be a plus for the club as their discontent or wandering eyes won’t be spread to other members of the squad,

However, it is becoming a running theme at Elland Road that players are being tempted by speculation and potential moves away from the club before the transfer window closes.

The remaining crop of stars at Leeds includes the trio of Tyler Adams, Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra – all of whom appear to be pushing for a move, with the latter two potentially refusing to play for the club against Birmingham on 12 August.

Adams, meanwhile, has been the subject of multiple offers. A move to Chelsea fell through [Sky Sports, 11 August], before Bournemouth emerged to trigger his £20million release clause [Daily Mail, 14 August] in an attempt to lure him to the Vitality.

Leeds will face an ongoing battle to keep their key players until the transfer window closes on 1 September, and it looks like they will struggle to do so.