Leeds United in ‘advanced talks’ over signing, with Orta to agree deal regardless of season outcome

Victor Orta, Andrea Radrizzani, Leeds Utd director of football and chairman

Leeds United are in ‘advanced’ discussions with a major European team over a player moving to Elland Road, with the transfer reportedly set to go through regardless of whether the Whites stay up or go down.

Leeds backed American coach Jesse Marsch with seven new signings last summer, which included the arrivals of Tyler Adams, Willy Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson. And they continued their recruitment drive in the recent winter window, landing four new players.

These were Max Wober, Georginio Rutter, Weston McKennie and Diogo Monteiro. These players cost around £54million in total. Wober, Rutter and Monteiro all moved to Elland Road on permanent deals, while McKennie has joined the club on loan with what is thought to be an obligation to buy if they avoid relegation.

While Marsch is now gone, attention has now turned to which new players Leeds might bring in during the next transfer window. Although, reports in Italy are actively discussing McKennie’s move and whether he will leave Juventus permanently at the end of the season.

As per a recent report from Il Bianconero, there is no obligation for Leeds to buy the midfielder if they stay in the top flight. Instead, the report has described a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between the two sides.

Leeds supposedly have the option – rather than obligation – to purchase McKennie if they do not go down, and Juve will give them first priority for a deal.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport have provided an update on the situation, via Sport Witness. They claim Leeds director of football Victor Orta is in ‘advanced talks’ with his Juve counterparts over McKennie’s permanent switch.

It is claimed Orta and the rest of the Leeds hierarchy have already made up their minds about the 24-year-old. They have decided to keep him for the long run, despite relegation under manager Javi Gracia still being a possibility.

Leeds facing relegation scrap

The west Yorkshire outfit currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League. While that does not sound too precarious, only two points separate them and West Ham United, who occupy 18th spot.

And to make matters worse for Leeds, West Ham have a game in hand on them.

If this latest report is to be believed, then it seems McKennie’s long-term future at Leeds is assured. But the same cannot be said of his manager.

Gracia, who has previously been in charge of Watford and Valencia, joined Leeds on a ‘flexible contract’ following Marsch’s sacking in February.

Effectively, this means that Leeds will cut ties with Gracia if he cannot save them from relegation. But if he is successful in keeping them in the Prem, then discussions will begin over a longer contract.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are attempting to sign an exciting Barcelona player ahead of Leeds, according to a report.