Leeds United made an ambitious play for a Premier League midfielder this week but it is a deal that will not be progressing any further.
Heading into the window, midfield was arguably the one position in which Leeds did not need to strengthen, but that is all change now.
Archie Gray completed his £40 million move to Tottenham on Tuesday and Leeds’ other box-to-box option in Glen Kamara could soon be about to follow.
Kamara is reported to have agreed personal terms with Rennes as they go in search of a replacement for Enzo Le Fee. Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Graeme Bailey says it is a matter of when, not if Kamara leaves.
That would leave with just two senior midfield options in the squad, both of whom play just in front of the back four. As such, two signings would need to be brought in.
Graeme Bailey shares update on Leeds’ interest in Oliver Skipp
In order to get around Profit and Sustainability regulations, clubs have been using swap deals and Leeds’ sale of Gray was no different.
Though it was officially reported as a separate transaction, Joe Rodon made the move back to Elland Road as part of the deal that took Gray to North London.
But Rodon was not the only player Leeds were keen to get in return, as Spurs knocked back an offer that would have also included Oliver Skipp.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke is a huge fan of Skipp following their time together at Norwich City in the Championship, and some reports have suggested a move could still happen later down the line due to the two’s relationship.
However, speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has ruled Leeds out of the Race to sign Skipp, as he will not be dropping into the Championship.
He said: “No, Skipp is not dropping out of the Premier League. That was a non-starter I think. I am not sure about that [being too good for the Championship], but I think he thinks that.”
Which other midfielders could Leeds target?
Skipp certainly would’ve been an unbelievable signing at this level considering how good he was at a young age for Norwich at this level.
A midfield pairing of him and Ethan Ampadu, just in front of Rodon and Pascal Struijk, would have given Leeds an unbelievable amount of defensive security.
But if a deal is not going to materialise, Leeds should instead prioritise a midfielder with the capability of adding goals to Farke‘s side.
Norwich’s Gabriel Sara is an extremely ambitious option, while long-term target Lewis O’Brien could well be available again.