Your Leeds United transfer round-up for Friday, May 27.
Rumours of a departure for Leeds winger show no signs of relenting
While Leeds United swooped for Brendan Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg yesterday afternoon, the number of outlets citing a possible Elland Road exit for winger Jack Harrison seemed to be growing. The Telegraph announced that the 25-year-old attacker is "believed to be weighing up his options" and that he is one of several prize assets that United are trying to keep in West Yorkshire this summer, referring also to Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.
Harrison netted 10 times in 38 games for Leeds during 2021/22 and no outfield player appeared in more than the 35 Premier League contests than he featured in. The ex-England under-21 international has been at Elland Road for four seasons, but only completed a permanent move from Manchester City last summer, having previously been recruited on loan.
But the Daily Mail suggested over the weekend that Tottenham and Newcastle are both now suitors for the Stoke-born winger and Leeds could face a battle to retain his services for a fifth campaign.
Southampton could be rivals for Manchester United midfielder
Midfielder James Garner, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Manchester United, is reportedly being monitored by Southampton as well as Leeds, according to The Athletic. Garner has had an excellent season at the City Ground and will be aiming to help Steve Cooper's men gain promotion to the Premier League on Sunday in the Championship play-off final against Huddersfield.
Should Forest win that game, it is understood that Cooper will try and strike up another loan deal with the Old Trafford outfit for next term. But Garner might fancy a different challenge with Jesse Marsch believed to be an admirer of the Birkenhead-born, 21-year-old, who has made 48 appearances and scored four goals for the two-time European Cup winners this term.
It is also a possibility that new Red Devils chief Erik ten Hag might want Garner to feature in his plans for 2022/23.
Barcelona winger unlikely to be heading for West Yorkshire
Ez Abde has been told that he will be involved in Barcelona's first-team squad next season, making a rumoured switch to Leeds United unlikely, according to Catalan newspaper Sport. The 20-year-old winger is under contract at the Nou Camp until 2024 and Sport have reported that Leeds, along with Wolves, have "mentioned his name" when in negotiations with Barca for other transfers.
The Spanish outlet also speculate that "other transfers" could have referred to discussions relating to a move in the opposite direction for Raphinha but the possibility of Abde being used in any player-plus-cash swap deal now look slim.
