Leeds United may return to a January transfer target this summer as they club look to replace the imminently departing Raphinha. The Brazilian looks set to leave Elland Road this summer after Chelsea had a bid of around £60million accepted, with the Blues now speaking directly with the player and his agent - ex-Chelsea midfielder Deco.
Victor Orta’s time at Leeds United may well be defined by how he replaces the 25-year-old, and the Whites sporting director has been monitoring the likes of Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang and several others as potential successors. But he and Leeds may be inclined to return to a previous target in Moses Simon, with Nantes coach Antoine Koumbouare admitting the player 'will leave' after a successful season with the French side.
The Canaries enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in recent memory by winning the Coupe de France - their first piece of silverware in 20 years - and qualifying for the Europa League as a result, despite finishing ninth in Ligue 1. And Nigerian winger Simon was a key player, with six goals and eight assists in 30 league games, with Kombouare admitting he and other will leave if acceptable offers are made.
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“They have an exit voucher,” Kombouare told RMC Sport . “It’s clear. After that, it depends on the offers they have. If they have offers which suit them and which suit the club, they will leave. We will be very happy (for them) and we will work to replace them. And, if they stay there with us, they will remain part of the squad and we will work with them.”
If the Whites are to go back in for the 26-year-old, they will have to beat Brighton and Newcastle to a deal. But Orta may have the upper-hand on his Premier League rivals, having come close to securing a deal in the January window - and Simon himself admitted he wanted to make the move.
“Yes, it is true. My agent told me about some offers. Leeds United came calling with strong offer and (it was my) intention of sealing the deal immediately,” Simon told CKD Media. “(But) my club want me to finish the season with FC Nantes.”
Reports have suggested that Nantes will sell Simon for around £9million, suggesting any move for the Nigerian would be an addition to the Whites squad rather than a direct replacement for Raphinha - PSV Eindhoven’s Gakpo looks to be the preferred option at Elland Road for that role.
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