Leeds United earned an excellent victory over Everton last weekend. They continue their Premier League campaign against Chelsea on Saturday, knowing a win could land them in the top half of the table if other results go their way.
It has been an excellent start to their first campaign in the top flight for almost two decades.
However, transfer work off the pitch continues to roll, and with the January transfer window looming, Leeds still have much to do.
In today’s round-up, we have an update on a missed blockbuster summer transfer, the future of Ezgjan Alioski and the state of mind of a potential centre-back target.
Here are your Leeds transfer rumours for Friday, December 4.
Leeds came close to blockbuster summer signing
Reports in Italy revealed just how close Leeds came to securing a blockbuster summer signing.
The Whites were linked with a move for Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul throughout the summer transfer window. But a transfer never materialised and De Paul remained at the Serie A club.
However, it has now been revealed that Leeds were inches away from securing the sensational deal.
Per Inter Live via TeamTalk, De Paul was ready to move to Leeds and “only a faded signature at the photo-finish” prevented the completion of the deal.
Ezgjan Alioski makes Leeds admission
Ezgjan Alioski has said he would love to extend his contract at Leeds as he currently plays in the final year of his deal, though also conceded that “nothing has happened” with regards to present negotiations.
Having made 142 appearances for the club since signing in 2017 on a four-year contract, the 28-year-old says that he would love to extend his stay at Elland Road.
“Still nothing has happened,” he told BBC West Yorkshire Sport Daily. “I am here, of course, until my contract ends next year. But I am not thinking that I will leave Leeds. My head is only for Leeds, concentrated. But what will happen will happen in the end.”
Leeds Live understands that the club are keen to sign Alioski to a new deal.
Graham Potter reacts to Ben White transfer rumours
Brighton boss Graham Potter has dispelled suggestions that Ben White might be distracted amid reports that several Premier League clubs are monitoring his progress, as reported by Sussex Live.
This week, Sky Sports reported that Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all following White closely, with an eye on making a move for the 23-year-old.
Potter, though, rejected the notion that White, who starred on loan at Leeds last season and was the subject of an unsuccessful £25million offer from the Whites, would have his head turned,
“I have no worries about Ben getting his head turned at all,” said Potter. “He is a level-headed guy and he wants to play football at the very highest level.
“He gets down with his work. He was totally professional in the summer despite the noise outside which you cannot control.
“He is a smart guy. We will try to help him enjoy his football as that is the most important thing.”
