Bilal El Khannouss and Mads Hermansen of Leicester City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Leeds United have taken the most concrete steps in the race to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City this summer, CaughtOffside understands.
The talented young Morocco international was one of a few impressive performers at Leicester last season as the club suffered relegation from the Premier League, and he could now be on the move back to the top flight.
Leeds have offered the 21-year-old midfielder a weekly salary of £50,000 and held talks with his representatives, sources in the industry confirmed to CaughtOffside.
There has also been interest from elsewhere, most notably from Newcastle United, but our latest understanding now is that Leeds are ready to pay the player’s £24.5million release clause.
One source said: “Leeds see El Khannouss as a long-term investment to boost their technical quality and depth in midfield.”
Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Bilal El Khannouss also has transfer interest from other big clubs
Newcastle have also had some contacts with El Khannouss’ camp, though things have not yet advanced much. Arsenal have also monitored the player in recent months, but never stepped up their interest.
Multiple sources also state that RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have El Khannouss on their lists of targets for this summer.
Leeds now appear to be moving into pole position, however, even if a deal has not been agreed yet.
El Khannouss signing could be crucial for Leeds
Leeds desperately need a good transfer window, and bringing in a young talent of El Khannouss’ quality would be a fine move.
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