Leeds United eye 'free-transfer raid' on Fulham as Premier League club 'in talks' with defensive target

Leeds United have just over a week to lay the foundations of what looks set to be another busy summer, with the transfer window due to open a week on Friday. Defeat to Southampton in the Championship play-off final has consigned Daniel Farke’s men to another year of second-tier football but next season will provide a fresh chance to build on the success of the past 12 months.

This summer will see some stars of the season move on as Leeds raise funds but chairman Paraag Marathe has insisted there will also be arrivals as Farke strengthens for another promotion push. The financial situation leaves those in charge needing to be shrewd this summer and the YEP has rounded up recent stories surrounding two free agent targets.

Fulham free agent raid

Leeds are eyeing a potential approach for Bobby Decordova-Reid who looks set to become a free agent. TEAMtalk reports that the attacker is set to leave Premier League outfit Fulham for free when his contract expires next month, with talks over a deal breaking down.

Decordova-Reid has been with Fulham for five years and remains a regular feature at Craven Cottage, registering seven goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions last season. The 31-year-old is thought to have been offered a fresh two-year contract but will turn it down in search of a new experience elsewhere. Everton are also thought to be eyeing a move for the 29-capped Jamaican international.

Attacking reinforcements will likely be needed at Elland Road this summer, with Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto both attracting interest from Premier League clubs and able to bring decent money in. The pair netted 29 goals between them this season and so Farke will be keen to replace that threat if they do leave. Decordova-Reid won’t produce these numbers on his own but offers a consistent threat and the versatility to play across the front line.

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Johnson talks

West Ham United are still working on a deal to keep Ben Johnson at the club beyond this summer amid reports of ongoing interest from Leeds. Johnson is currently set to leave West Ham as a free agent next month but the Standard reports that the Premier League club remain ‘in talks’ over a new deal, despite seeing previous proposals rejected earlier in the season.

Leeds were initially linked with a move for Johnson in January as the club looked to replace departing pair Djed Spence and Luke Ayling, eventually signing Connor Roberts on loan from Burnley. Interest in the 24-year-old will likely resurface again this summer, given he could be available for free.

West Ham hope to keep Johnson on board but the need for more consistent football could encourage the right-back to move on, offering someone the chance of a bargain deal. Crystal Palace are thought to be interested in the defender, which would present an issue for Leeds given Oliver Glasner’s side can offer Premier League football.