Bilal El Khannouss to Leeds United transfer latest with £30m clause twist and Leicester decision
Preparations for the new Premier League season for Leeds United are almost over with the first fixture now on the horizon.
The Whites have been busy in the transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. Leeds start their season on Monday night when they take on Everton at Elland Road (8pm kick-off).
That match could see several players make their competitive debuts for Leeds. Daniel Farke’s side have so far made seven new signings, but that number is expected to increase before the end of the window.
One player who has been linked is Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss. With that in mind, here is the latest on the future of the Morocco international.
Newcastle twist
Newcastle United were heavily linked with an interest in El Khannouss this week, but it seems that they’ve moved onto other targets. Various reports claim that Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is closing in on a £40 million move to Newcastle.
That transfer is likely to rule the club out of the race for El Khannouss.
£30m deadline
It’s reported that El Khannouss has a release clause worth more than £30million. It is thought that that clause expires ‘this week’.
Clubs interested in the midfielder therefore face a race against time if they wish to trigger the clause. If they don’t then Leicester will have the option to raise their asking price, with the club having less time to bring in a potential replacement, it’s something that could happen.
More competition
Newcastle are not the only club providing potential competition to Leeds for the transfer. Crystal Palace have also been linked with an interest, but a lot could depend on the future of Eberechi Eze.
Tottenham are the club most recently linked with the England man, with some reports suggesting that they are expected to make an opening bid. If that bid is accepted by Palace, they could potentially look towards El Khannouss as a replacement.
Leicester decision
All the talk over the player’s future comes as Leicester kicked off their season last weekend. Sunday saw El Khannouss play the full 90 minutes and provide assists for both of Leicester’s goals in a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Foxes were back in action on Wednesday night when they played Huddersfield Town away in the first round of the Carabao Cup. El Khannouss was named on the bench for the game and came on in the 83rd minute with Leicester looking for a winner.
The game went to a penalty shootout with Huddersfield winning 3-2. El Khannouss was the fourth taker for Leicester and saw his spot kick rebound off the post.
His appearance in the cup for Leicester means that if he does make a move this summer, he is now cup tied for any future Carabao Cup games.
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