Leeds have some exciting recruitment plans ahead of the winter transfer window opening on New Year’s Day.
Harry Wilson remains a target for Leeds and hinted at a potential exit from Fulham in January, when admitting that he needs to be “somewhere” he can play regularly and shine ahead of a potential World Cup campaign with Wales.
A deal to sign Ruben Vargas from Sevilla certainly looks on the cards too, as intermediaries hold talks with Leeds over a £9m transfer – and the Switzerland international is open to moving to Elland Road.
However, Manchester City could actually throw a spanner in the works for Leeds regarding that particular transfer as the Citizens explore a deal for Antoine Semenyo.
How Manchester City signing Antoine Semenyo could take Ruben Vargas away from Leeds United
The Athletic believe the Bournemouth No.24 has decided to join Manchester City – who like Harry Gray – this winter amid interest from Pep Guardiola, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Could Ruben Vargas be the missing piece in Leeds’ jigsaw? 🔥
He’s been excellent in Spain…
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Meanwhile, TEAMtalk – who claimed Vargas is open to joining Leeds – also mentioned that Bournemouth are admirers of the Sevilla No.11 and might make a move for his signature if Semenyo departs.
It means time is of the essence for the 49ers to sign Vargas. The transfer ideally needs to be completed before Semenyo – who admires Joe Rodon – moves to Manchester City, or else Leeds face real problems.
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Considering the Ghana international has a £65m release clause, Bournemouth will have a huge chunk of cash to reinvest in a replacement, and would therefore be able to outbid Leeds for Vargas quite easily unless the 49ers can get a deal done sharpish.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
That point is only reinforced by the fact Leeds currently have PSR issues – and therefore wouldn’t have much power in a bidding war against the Cherries.
Sunderland also pose a threat to Leeds United once again
Sunderland made a habit of beating Leeds to targets over the summer transfer window, memorably pinching Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra away from Daniel Farke.
Should Leeds follow Nottingham Forest’s path and risk a points deduction? 💸
“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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It could happen again unless Leeds move quickly for Vargas, as TEAMtalk believe Sunderland are also in the running to sign the Swiss attacker this winter.
So, with Bournemouth potentially about to have £65m to target Vargas with, while Sunderland sit sixth and can offer him the chance to fight for European football, Leeds have their work cut out to get this deal done.
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