Leeds United have made an enquiry about signing OH Leuven midfielder Mandela Keita ahead of the summer transfer season.
According to Belgian football journalist David Van den Broeck, the Whites have entered a bidding war for the Belgian Under-21 international this summer.
The 20-year-old is presently on loan at Royal Antwerp, where he has made 10 appearances since joining in January. He is primarily a defensive midfielder.
Van den Broeck feels his eye-catching performances on loan have drawn the attention of additional clubs, and he believes there will be competition for his signature in England from clubs such as Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers. Leeds, Blackburn, and Norwich have all expressed interest in the Belgian midfielder.”
However, if his loan club wishes, he may make the transaction permanent: “Antwerp can still exercise the spicy purchase option (€10M) if it finds an agreement with the OH Leuven mercenary, but talks about that are yet to come.”
Leeds would have to match that figure, which is around £8.7m, but they would also hold a huge advantage over their competitors should they remain in the Premier League. The lure of top flight English football is huge for many players.
Leeds may aim to add midfield reinforcements if Adam Forshaw leaves at the end of his contract.
The possibilities for central midfield aren’t especially plentiful. However, when the Whites have the likes of Darko Gyabi and Lewis Bate on their books, a signing like Keita should be approached with caution.
Both will not want their route to be obstructed by someone their own age, and Leeds should keep this in mind. Instead of Forshaw, a more experienced player could be sought.
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