Tottenham 'will accept' reduced Joe Rodon fee amid Leeds United and Premier League interest

Leeds United have received a boost in their pursuit of Joe Rodon with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly willing to accept a bid in the region of £10million.

United are known to be keen on taking Rodon back this summer, following an outstanding season on loan from Spurs in which the Welshman played in 45 of his side’s 49 Championship games including the play-offs. Only Ethan Ampadu, Illan Meslier and Georginio Rutter enjoyed more league minutes and a permanent return would be welcome by all involved in West Yorkshire.

Last month’s play-off final defeat to Southampton has made it much harder for Leeds to strike a deal, however, with Tottenham willing to sell Rodon but thought to be wanting around £15m, given the 26-year-old’s impressive campaign. But now Football Insider reports that with no future under Ange Postecoglou and a swift resolution wanted by all, a reduced £10m price-tag has now been set.

That drop in price could prove the difference for Leeds, with those in charge not able to realistically justify spending £15m on a centre-back during a summer in which costs will need to be cut. The £10m price-tag pits Rodon around the same ball-park as Welsh compatriot Ampadu, who cost Leeds £7m last summer and is widely considered great value for that amount.

A move for Rodon will not be without competition, however, with recent reports citing interest from across the Premier League. Leeds failed in their bid for promotion and all three teams who pipped them, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton, have been named as potential suitors.

Leeds face another key season, so get closer to the action with our new newsletter - Inside Elland Road with Graham Smyth

Should the decision come down to Rodon, the defender will have to choose between the chance of top-flight football or a return to the place where he forged an instant relationship with supporters. Leeds will hope he picks the latter, and are also planning to have Premier League football on offer at Elland Road from 2025/26. Regardless of where it comes from, Rodon has already made clear his desire for consistency - a suggestion he will be more than happy to leave Tottenham permanently.

“It would be nice to have stability and know where I am next season,” Rodon admitted recently. “I’ve always strived to get to the elite level and hopefully I can get back there with Leeds, but you never know. I don’t want to look too far into the future, although I do love it here and Leeds feels like a second home to me now. I’m just concentrating on giving my best and getting this club back to where it belongs.”

Defensive reinforcements will be towards the top of the summer shopping list at Leeds, given the return of Rodon and Connor Roberts to their respective parent clubs. Charlie Cresswell could also leave amid growing frustration over a lack of minutes, while Liam Cooper is currently set to leave as a free agent, albeit talks are ongoing over a potential extension.

While everyone at Elland Road is desperate to keep hold of Archie Gray, the 18-year-old will be keen to move out of defence and into his more natural midfield role if he stays with Leeds. That would leave manager Daniel Farke down to the bare bones on the right side of his back-four.