It is not even January, and Leeds United have been linked with a plethora of different potential January recruits. One of them has just been left out of his team’s latest matchday squad.
Daniel Farke’s switch to a 3-5-2 system has highlighted the need for a new centre-back and a striker. The club could also remain interested in adding a playmaker, after missing out on Harry Wilson in January.
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Leeds have been linked with multiple names already. Lazio’s Argentina international Taty Castellanos is back on Leeds’ radar after links with Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds back in 2022, but he would cost £22m.
There are links with Porto’s Cameroon star Danny Namaso, with Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi and even Nottingham Forest playmaker James McAtee. Wolves icon Ruben Neves is also a target.
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty ImagesAl Hilal make a shock Ruben Neves decision on Wednesday
Portugal midfielder Neves, 28, is about to enter the final six months of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, following his £47m Wolves exit in 2023. A player Jamie Redknapp likened to Xabi Alonso.
The reports regarding Neves emerged on Tuesday and then on Wednesday, Al Hilal were in league action against Al Kholood. A side managed by Englishman Des Buckingham, and boast midfielder John Buckley.
Neves had played 90 minutes in Al Hilal’s previous game but on Wednesday evening, the midfielder was missing from the starting line-up and the bench, completely axed from the Al Hilal squad entirely.
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Farke already has Ampadu, Stach, Aaronson, Tanaka, Longstaff and Gruev in his midfield department… 😬
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Fuel added to the fire: The Ruben Neves situation
The initial reports state that Neves has already rejected two new offers of a contract from the Club World Cup side, and has a third offer on the table. But Simone Inzaghi’s side are willing to cash in on Neves.
If the Saudi Pro League side are rejected by Neves for a third time in signing a new deal, then they are prepared to sell Neves in January for £15m. A third of what they paid to land the former Wolves ace.
Leeds are not the only Premier League side interested in Neves, with both Man United and Newcastle United considering the midfielder. It all hinges on whether Neves will sign a new Al Hilal contract.
However, Neves’ omission from Al Hilal’s side on Wednesday evening against Al Kholood, unless he is injured, is a clear sign that things are happening and Neves is edging closer towards the exit door.
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