Leeds United 'demand £20m' from Euro giants as Chelsea 'consider deal'

Leeds United will already be preparing for the new season as Euro 2024 continues to play out in Germany. Daniel Farke will take comfort in the fact there is less work to do on the transfer front this summer, given last summer required exits aplenty.

Many of the players who spent last season out on loan may depart for good, while there will also be interest in some of the Whites’ best players, but it should be a more straightforward mission for Farke this summer. As preparations continue, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Elland Road.

Meslier ‘attracts interest’

French giants Marseille are said to be looking to take advantage of Leeds’ promotion failure and the fact the club now have to raise significant money to balance the books. According to the Daily Mail, the French club are interested in Leeds keeper Illan Meslier, who was a key part of last season’s promotion push.

Meslier burst onto the scene in the Premier League but struggled in his last season in the top flight. The Frenchman returned to his best last term but transfer links look to have returned with that form, something that will concern Leeds chiefs. It’s claimed the club would want at least £20million to sell the stopper this summer, with Meslier still only 24 years of age.

Firpo warning

Former Aston Villa CEO Kieth Wyness believes Leeds may have to sell Junior Firpo this summer due to the need to balance the books and ease the financial burden. He told Football Insider: "Firpo is one of those, but he’s out of contract next year. It’s going to be difficult for Leeds to renew that contract while in the Championship. If they don’t, they lose him for free next year. Leeds are in a position where Firpo will be a great asset for them to get out of the Championship, but they may need to take some money for him while they still can. They’re stuck in these conundrums with several players, as I understand it.

"Angus Kinnear has a big financial juggling act on his hands. They have the power of a very good ownership group behind them, but they have to use good financial judgement while the big cloud of getting promoted hangs over them. It’s going to be up to the top level of directors to decide this."

Chelsea ‘eye’ Gray

Chelsea are said to be interested in Whites sensation Archie Gray this summer. According to The Telegraph, new Blues boss Enzo Maresca likes Gray and may push to land him this summer, as well as Leicester City star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The Foxes midfielder was set to head to Brighton and Hove Albion for a medical with Jakub Moder going the other way, plus cash. However, Chelsea could hijack the deal as Stamford Bridge is reportedly Dewsbury-Halls’ preferred destination.

Leeds would reportedly demand more than £30million to sell Gray, and they may be able to squeeze more out of Chelsea, who have traditionally overpaid for players over recent years. Gray is still only 18 and under a long-term deal at Elland Road.