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Leeds United’s hopes of landing Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss may have been boosted by a development at Newcastle United.

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The 21-year-old is currently a man in demand, with a raft of clubs having being credited with interest in his services.

Leeds are among those said to be keen on the 21-year-old, who has hit the ground running in the Championship with Leicester.

Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have all been linked, while there was talk of Leeds facing stiff competition from Newcastle.

Newcastle United development

However, the Magpies now appear to be closing in on the capture of an alternative target. According to the BBC, Jacob Ramsey is close to swapping Aston Villa for Newcastle in a deal worth around £40m.

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has indicated Ramsey would be signed instead of El Khannouss, rather than as well as.

This development may offer hope to El Khannouss’ admirers, as a club boasting significant financial power could be out of the race.

El Khannouss joined Leicester from Genk last year but was unable to save the Foxes from relegation in his maiden campaign.

Leeds United’s need for signings

There have been calls for Leeds to add firepower and flair in the final third, with Lukas Nmecha the club’s only outwardly attacking addition of the summer window.

The Whites are widely expected to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin following his Everton exit, but there are still concerns over the options at Daniel Farke’s disposal.

AC Milan’s Noah Okafor has been mooted as a potential option, as have Panathinaikos frontman Fotis Ioannidis and Norwich City star Josh Sargent.

Daniel Farke admission

After Leeds’ friendly draw with Villareal earlier this month, Farke said: "We know in the offence we are not ready for Premier League level. We've proven we can be ready for one game and for that I am not too concerned at the moment as it stands.

"I know especially with the offence, in the last bit you can add some quality. Of course as a manager you want all the players available on the first day of pre-season and to have training sessions with them because they need to adapt to the group and the principles.

"The shorter the time is to the first game the more difficult it is to integrate them and make them fully ready and up to speed.”

Manor Solomon reportedly wants to return to Leeds United amid doubts over his Tottenham Hotspur future.

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The 26-year old etched his name in the Leeds history books last season, scoring the goal that clinched the Championship title for the Whites.

He was among Daniel Farke’s most trusted lieutenants over the course of his season on loan, registering 10 goals and 13 assists across 41 appearances.

However, following the conclusion of his loan spell, it was suggested he was set to fight for a place in the Spurs side.

Talk of a potential exit has since surfaced, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claiming there is interest in Solomon from England and Spain.

Manor Solomon’s stance on a Leeds United return

According to the The Standard, the Israel international wants to make a return to Elland Road.

The report says Solomon is not in the plans of Spurs boss Thomas Frank and that there is a willingness to sanction a sale.

Leeds are in need of strengthening in the final third and although they are close to signing Dominic Calbert-Lewin, it appears unlikely the Whites will stop there.

AC Milan’s Noah Okafor has been linked and it remains to be seen whether Leeds will explore a deal to re-sign Solomon.

The wideman had been tormented by injury prior to his move to Leeds, but managed to remain fit for the bulk of his season in West Yorkshire.

Manor Solomon’s Leeds United farewell

In his farewell message after lifting the Championship trophy, he said: “After nearly a year without football, I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback season and a better ending.

“I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart.

“Thank you again, fans, for the unforgettable past few weeks and all your incredible support and love throughout the entire season. We are the champions.”

Leeds United, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all been linked with Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.

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The 21-year-old only arrived on British shores last year, making the move to the King Power Stadium from Genk.

He suffered relegation from the Premier League in his maiden campaign, but his potential was clear for all to see.

When clubs tumble out of the top flight, it is common to see the sharks circle for their most coveted assets.

Leeds are well-aware of this, having lost a number of key players in the summers of 2023 and 2024. Now, they are the sharks doing the circling.

Leeds United among clubs keen on El Khannouss

It has been widely reported Leeds have looked at El Khannouss, although do not appear to be alone in their admiration. L’Equipe have linked Sunderland, West Ham United and Monaco, while The Boot Room have reported interest from Tottenham and Newcastle.

Last week, reporter Sacha Tavolieri indicated via X that Leeds were willing to pay a £24.5m release clause to sign the Morocco international.

Leeds attempted to sign a playmaker last year, only to find themselves unable to land targets such as Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia.

El Khannouss operates as an attacking midfielder, although can also be deployed out wide. As it stands, there is limited competition for Brenden Aaronson at Elland Road.

Leicester City’s stance

Sky Sports have also suggested El Khannous is being courted by Premier League clubs, but have insisted the Foxes will hold out for big money.

The report does, however, claim Leicester will need to sell some of their biggest assets in order to balance the books.

Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and attacker Abdul Fatawu are also believed to have admirers in the top flight.

Leeds United’s need for attacking reinforcement

Much of Leeds’ summer business since their promotion to the Premier League has centred around solidity.

As it stands, Germany-capped forward Lukas Nmecha is the club’s only new attacking recruit.

Leeds did pursue a deal to sign winger Igor Paixão from Feyenoord, but missed out to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.

Daniel Farke’s blunt attacking admission

Whites boss Daniel Farke has made it clear he wants to see funds used to freshen up in the final third.

Speaking after his side drew 1-1 with Villareal in a friendly, as reported by the BBC, Farke said: "We are not naive.

“We know that even in comparison to our Championship offence you could say that we are not much improved.

"We know in the offence we are not ready for Premier League level. We've proven we can be ready for one game and for that I am not too concerned at the moment as it stands.

"I know especially with the offence, in the last bit you can add some quality. Of course as a manager you want all the players available on the first day of pre-season and to have training sessions with them because they need to adapt to the group and the principles.

"The shorter the time is to the first game the more difficult it is to integrate them and make them fully ready and up to speed.”

Rangers are reportedly likely to land Tottenham Hotspur's Mikey Moore despite links with Hull City, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.

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The 17-year-old is considered among the brightest prospects in English football and has already made 21 appearances for Spurs at first-team level.

He appeared set for a Championship loan move, with Hull said to have joined West Brom and Birmingham in the race for his signature.

However, it now looks like Moore could be heading north of the border to continue his development in Scotland.

Rangers likely to land Mikey Moore

According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, Rangers have moved into pole position to land Moore on a temporary basis.

Posting on social media platform X, Law said: “Rangers have emerged as favourites to sign Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham.

“There's been a lot of interest, particularly from the Championship, but Rangers seen as most likely destination.”

Hull City’s current position

Hull are currently under a transfer embargo, although have lodged an appeal and continue to be linked with players.

The Tigers have been repeatedly credited with interest in free agent Oli McBurnie, who Swansea City have reportedly emerged as frontrunners to sign.

Moore would arguably be a significant coup for any Championship club, with the England youth international having already shown off his pedigree at a higher level.

However, for a player with a ceiling so high, the prospect of continuing to play European football at just 17 could prove incredibly appealing.

After Moore starred in a Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar back in October, his teammate James Maddison told TNT Sports: "I thought we had Neymar on the left wing. He is fearless, [he has] that young, fearless mentality.

"He's a brilliant lad, he has bags of ability. I will hopefully help him with wise words but he has all the ability and well done to him."

Sunderland are reportedly ready to stump up €20m (£17.5m) to sign Leeds United-linked defender Jhon Lucumi.

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A senior Colombia international, Lucumi has gone from strength to strength in Serie A since his move to Bologna in 2022.

He had previously starred in Belgium for Genk, having cut his teeth in his native Colombia with Deportivo Cali.

His exploits have fuelled talk of Premier League interest in recent months and Leeds are among those to have been linked.

In May, the likes of Leeds, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace were credited with interest in the centre-back.

Jhon Lucumi eyed

Speculation has not died down and according to The Northern Echo, Sunderland are working to recruit the 27-year-old.

The Black Cats are believed to be willing to offer a £17.5m package, although Bologna are thought to be holding out for around €25m (£21.9m).

However, the report claims there is a degree of flexibility over how the deal could be structured.

Leeds and Sunderland are not exactly bitter rivals but there has been more than one crossover between them regarding transfer targets this summer.

Midfielders Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki were both believed to be on the Leeds radar before they completed moves to Sunderland.

Leeds United’s centre-back recruitment

Both have been credited with interest in Lucumi, although Leeds’ recruitment since May would suggests he may no longer be in their sights.

The Whites have recruited centre-backs Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, who look set to challenge Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk for minutes.

Max Wober and James Debayo have both departed Elland Road, although Ethan Ampadu can also deputise at centre-back.

The Wales international has had to drop back from midfield on various occasions since his move to Elland Road from Chelsea in 2023.

However, the additions of Bjol and Bornauw could prevent Leeds’ captain having to be pulled away from his role as a midfield anchor.

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Hull City 'want' Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers promotion-winner despite transfer troubles

Former Barnsley FC, Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers forward 'set' to leave West Brom

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Sheffield United face potential competition for Tottenham Hotspur's Alfie Devine as Millwall linked

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine - who has been linked with Sheffield United - is reportedly a target for Millwall.

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The 20-year-old was linked with a move to South Yorkshire last summer, when Sheffield Wednesday were said to be exploring a loan deal.

Devine had shone during spells with Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle, therefore another stint in the EFL hardly appeared unlikely.

However, he instead completed a season-long loan switch to Belgian outfit Westerlo.

After a productive campaign in the Belgian Pro League, Devine is back at Tottenham and has featured for the senior side in pre-season.

Sheffield United and Millwall linked with Alfie Devine

Sheffield United have been credited with interest in the England youth international, although could face competition.

According to The Mirror, Devine has emerged as a target for Sheffield United’s second-tier rivals Millwall.

Midfield appears to be an area of focus for the Lions, who are also believed to be closing in on the capture of former Wednesday and Middlesbrough midfielder Massimo Luongo.

Ashley Phillips move and Alfie Devine pedigree

Devine was linked with Sheffield United alongside his Spurs teammate Ashley Phillips, who starred on loan at Stoke City last term.

The Blades have already missed out on the centre-back, who has returned to the Potters on another loan deal.

Devine would arguably be a coup for a raft of Championship clubs given the maturity he has shown at such a tender age.

Speaking to The Standard about Devine in 2021, ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho said: “He's a kid with good potential. He's basically a midfield player but with an instinct to appear in finishing zones and to score goals.”

Sheffield United’s summer of business

Sheffield United have made two loan signings this summer, borrowing Tyler Bindon and Louie Barry from Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa respectively.

On the permanent deal front, the club have recruited defender Mihail Polendakov and winger Ehije Ukaki from the Bulgarian top flight.

Sheffield United may have to deal with some departures this summer, with Gustavo Hamer and Kieffer Moore reportedly attracting interest.

MORE: Rangers 'make offer' for Crystal Palace man following loan spell at Sheffield United

Related topics:Tottenham HotspurMillwallTransfer NewsEFL Championship

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Tottenham Hotspur have loaned Sheffield United-linked defender Ashley Phillips back to Stoke City.

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The 20-year-old spent the 2024/25 season as a Potters loanee and impressed in a tough campaign for the club.

In the latter stages of the campaign, it was suggested Sheffield United were looking into the possibility of a swoop for Phillips.

The link resurfaced last month and the Blades were also said to be targeting his Tottenham teammate Alfie Devine.

Ashley Phillips seals Stoke City return

Phillips will not be linking up with Sheffield United for the 2025/26 campaign, having instead sealed a return to Stoke on a season-long loan deal.

After putting pen to paper, the England youth international said: “It feels like unfinished business. I am absolutely buzzing to be back.

“I feel really valued, the coaching staff are brilliant, the gaffer has been amazing with me and presented me with the plan he has to help me to develop, it made it a no brainer.

“Working with Ryan Shawcross in particular is great for me. He helped my game immeasurably last year and I am sure that will be the case again this season.

“Also, through thick and thin, our fans have turned up and supported us. They have been great to me, I know they will continue to be, and we will need them throughout the whole season.”

Jonathan Walters on Ashley Phillips move

Stoke’s sporting director Jonathan Walters added: “Being able to bring Ashley back to Stoke City despite plenty of competition is down to him loving his time here last season so much, and a lot of work that took place behind the scenes to make it happen.

“I know the support he received from our fans was a huge part of his positive experience of our club and I’m looking forward to seeing that bond develop even further.

“With the attributes he has and what he’s already achieved as a central defender at such a young age, Ashley, for me, is a potential full international of the future.

“To have him playing for us for another season is a significant coup and we all can’t wait to see him back on the field in a Stoke City shirt, doing what he does best for the Potters.”

Leeds United are reportedly taking a close look at Germany under-21s star Lukas Ullrich.

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The defender is currently on duty at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and featured against England last week.

While he may be in action at a youth tournament, Ullrich has already accumulated a wealth of senior experience in the Bundesliga.

He has established himself as Borussia Mönchengladbach’s first-choice left-back and amassed 26 league appearances last term.

Leeds United eye Lukas Ullrich

His swift development does not appear to have gone unnoticed, with Leeds among the clubs to have been linked with the 21-year-old.

According to The Boot Room, Leeds and their Premier League counterparts Tottenham Hotspur have taken notice of Ullrich.

Everton are also said to be keeping tabs, while Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest have also been linked.

Ullrich’s current club are believed to have opened talks regarding a new contract, aware of growing interest from overseas.

Leeds United’s left-back dilemma

For the last two seasons, Junior Firpo has been a regular at left-back under Daniel Farke at Elland Road.

He did not always convince in the Premier League, but Firpo thrived in the Championship and was key in Leeds’ title-winning campaign.

However, with his contract due to expire next week, his future in West Yorkshire appears incredibly uncertain.

Max Wober, meanwhile, has been told he can leave after an injury-plagued campaign in the second tier.

Sam Byram, another player capable of filling in at left-back, is out of contract and yet to be confirmed as a member of Farke’s squad for next season.

Leeds have been linked with a host of left-backs in recent weeks, including Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno and Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The centre of Farke’s defence was recently strengthened with the capture of Slovenia international Jaka Bijol, who has made the switch to England from Udinese.

Hull City have reportedly joined Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Mikey Moore.

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The 17-year-old is considered to be among the most exciting prospects in England and has already tasted Premier League action.

He made 10 appearances in the top flight last season, as well as a further five in the Europa League under the since-sacked Ange Postecoglou.

However, it appears he could be given the chance to accumulate more experience at a step below the top flight.

Battle for Mikey Moore’s signature

According to Football League World, Hull are among the Championship outfits vying for the signature of the England under-19s star.

The Tigers are said to be lining up a loan move for Moore as they look to usher in a new era under Sergej Jakirovic.

However, the club’s Championship rivals Birmingham and West Brom have been credited with interest in the tricky attacker by Football Insider.

Mikey Moore’s burgeoning reputation

Moore has made waves at a young age at Spurs and was even compared to Neymar by his teammate James Maddison last year.

After Moore starred in a Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar, Maddison told TNT Sports: "I thought we had Neymar on the left wing! He is fearless, [he has] that young, fearless mentality.

"He's a brilliant lad, he has bags of ability. I will hopefully help him with wise words but he has all the ability and well done to him."

Postecoglou said: "I think we all understand with young players, you have to be careful but after the game, I don't get the sense that that's [the praise] going to affect Mikey at all.

"There's no denying he was great last night. I thought he was great the whole game. It's exciting for us."

Hull have signed Dillon Phillips, Semi Ajayi and Reda Laaloui this summer and made Gustavo Puerta’s loan deal permanent.

Doncaster Rovers are reportedly in advanced talks over a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Damola Ajayi on loan.

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The 19-year-old, a winger by trade, has featured regularly for Spurs at youth level and moved to the fringes of the senior set-up.

Last season, he was handed his senior debut in the Europa League against Swedish outfit Elfsborg and marked the milestone with a goal.

It appears a loan move is the next for the wideman, who is seemingly edging closer to a South Yorkshire switch.

Doncaster Rovers eye Damola Ajayi

According to Football Insider, Doncaster are in discussions about taking Ajayi on board on a temporary basis.

Grant McCann’s men are newly-promoted in League One and will need firepower to ensure they are competitive in the third tier.

Ajayi made Ange Postecoglou’s bench in the Premier League one more than one occasion last term, suggesting he has the potential to be a handful for League One defenders.

It is believed a number of clubs have shown interest in Ajayi, although it is Doncaster said to be poised to win the race.

The winger put pen to paper on a Spurs deal running until 2028 in January and said: “I’m really excited to get going, really excited to push on. I’m just ready to see what’s next.

“I started at Bromley, was there for year, then came here on trial, and then got signed at under-14s. I think it was top. It was good for me to see the levels I’ll be stepping into when I’m a full-time player. I feel like it was good, I feel like it helped me to improve, get sharper.”

Doncaster Rovers’ summer business

Doncaster have been busy in the transfer market since they lifted the League Two title last month.

Leeds United academy graduate Robbie Gotts was the first through the door, making the step up from Barrow in League Two.

He has since been followed by goalkeeper Thimothée Lo-Tutala, defender Matty Pearson, winger Glenn Middleton and forward Brandon Hanlan.