‘Definitely’: Manager says he does not want to sell ‘very good’ player this week

After a very quiet summer transfer window Leeds United appear to be getting linked with everyone ahead of Friday’s 11pm deadline.

If reports are to be believed, Leeds could end up signing more players in the final seven days of the window than across the entire first two-and-a-half-months of it.

Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon have both moved to Elland Road since Friday and as many as three more could follow by the end of the week.

A new full-back and central midfielder are both on the radar, while Roland Sallai could be another incoming to strengthen in the final third.

In defence, Bournemouth’s Max Aarons is the name being most heavily linked, while Gustavo Hamer, Philip Billing and Ao Tanaka have all been mentioned as midfield targets.

Andoni Iraola addresses Philip Billing speculation

With Hamer, Billing and Tanaka all linked, it is clear Leeds are keen to sign a new number eight who can come in and contribute with goals.

Leeds are said to have seen a £13 million bid turned down by Sheffield United for Hamer, and as such could turn their attentions towards triggering Tanaka’s release clause.

Billing is someone Leeds are also interested in, though it is actually Sheffield United currently leading the race.

However, speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, manager Andoni Iraola has actually moved to squash speculation linking Billing with a move away.

Ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup clash with West Ham, in which Billing could be involved, Iraola has insisted he is a player he rates a lot and is therefore determined to keep.

He said: “I don’t want to lose Philip. I think he’s a very, very good football player. I cannot guarantee like with every player, because you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow. But, I think he will stay. My mind at least, is that he stays with us.

“No, it’s true that he couldn’t play with us today, we’ll see if we can be involved tomorrow or not. But if he’s not, probably for the weekend, he will be ready. So, I want him to stay, definitely.”

Leeds interest in Billing appears cool amid Tanaka bid

If Leeds genuinely felt they had a chance with Billing it is unlikely the reports regarding Tanaka would’ve surfaced so quickly.

At just £2.65 million, Tanaka would come at a significantly cheaper price than Billing and means Leeds would not have to scramble around negotiating for a player they might not get at the very last minute.

What’s more, this could well free up funds for Leeds to ensure they can secure a deal for Freiburg’s Sallai.

Sallai would undoubtedly be the signing of the summer at Championship level if they can get him in and so Leeds can certainly be forgiven for saving money in another position to get him done.