A Sky Sports reporter has now revealed that Leeds United want to sign a “thriving” Everton star this summer.
One defender in and one out at Leeds?
The Championship title winners are wasting no time in beginning preparations for their return to the Premier League, as the Whites have already been linked with high-profile players who they believe will give them a good chance of remaining in the top flight.
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Crystal Palace are now in the race to sign a defender who is set to become a free agent.
Leeds have been looking mostly at ways of improving their attack, but given recent developments, there could be a few changes in their defence. It was reported on Wednesday that the Whites are preparing to make a £6 million bid to sign Georgios Vagiannidis from Greek side Panathinaikos.
Officials from the Yorkshire side are set to fly out to Greece and watch him in action this weekend, and they are already planning to make an offer, as they try to beat Everton to his signature.
As Vagiannidis emerges as a target for Leeds, it’s becoming increasingly likely that current left-back Junior Firpo is set to leave Elland Road. The defender is out of contract in the summer, and according to a new report, Crystal Palace have now held talks with Firpo’s agent over a move to Selhurst Park.
Palace are not the only team interested from the Premier League or in Europe, as plenty of teams express interest in a transfer.
Leeds want to sign £20m+ Everton star Beto this summer
And it seems signing a new forward is a high priority for Daniel Farke this summer, with Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett revealing Leeds are interested in signing Beto from Everton.
Dorsett claims he’s “told” that Leeds have a £100 million transfer kitty as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. He goes on to add that he is unclear if Everton would be willing to sell Beto, as he’s been an important player for the Toffees since David Moyes’ return.
In fact, since the arrival of Moyes, The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland has described Beto as a player who is “thriving” under new management. The 27-year-old was brought to the club in August 2023 but struggled to make a significant impact last season under Sean Dyche, as he scored just three Premier League goals in 30 games. However, that has changed in this campaign, as he’s scored seven times in 27 games, making him Everton’s top goalscorer.
It’s unclear how much the Portuguese could cost Leeds, but the Toffees paid £25 million for him to join from Udinese, and the Premier League side may look to get at least an equal return on their investment. The forward is under contract until 2027, but he is not their only striker target, as Leeds have been linked to the likes of Jamie Vardy and Troy Parrott.
