Leeds United star man issues 'come back stronger' vow ahead of rife summer transfer speculation

The Whites have made no secret of the fact that sales will be necessary this summer as they seek to stay just the right side of the Championship's Profitability and Sustainability rules. Club chairman Paraag Marathe did not shy away from that when he addressed the local media in the immediate wake of the Whites' Wembley play-off final heartbreak against Southampton, though he was keen to stress that incoming recruitment would play a major part in the summer transfer window business too.

When it comes to profitability, Summerville is among those whose sale would make the most logical sense. He was signed for a fee of around £1.5m but could now feasibly attract offers of £25m or more given his attacking output in the English second tier last season. His 21 goals and 10 assists were a huge part of Leeds' offensive menace as they accrued 90 points and qualified for the play-off final and at times during the campaign he looked a cut above the Championship. That, in turn, earned him the EFL's Championship Player of the Year award and a further boost to his profile. When the window opens this summer there will be no shortage of suitors in divisions higher than the one Leeds are due to grace next season.

In a series of Instagram images Summerville has put on record his mixed feelings about last season, one that ultimately ended the wrong way for him and Leeds. "A tough season filled with beautiful moments," he said. "Honoured and grateful to be EFL Championship Player of the Year. Thank you, an award I wouldn't have achieved without my team-mates. They helped me double my assists from last season and become top scorer. Thank you for all the love and support. At the end, it was a disappointing end to the season and it still hurts but we will come back stronger."

Summerville and his best mate and fellow winger Willy Gnonto are two players expected to feature at the very heart of the outgoing transfer speculation as the summer trading gets underway. Like Summerville, Gnonto's technical ceiling is plainly higher than the Championship and the Italian international, already capped at senior level, has already tried to leave Leeds once since they were relegated. His attempted departure was aborted when Leeds stayed firm and refused to bow to pressure or interest from elsewhere, and subsequently Gnonto had to bide his time before being able to properly showcase his ability under Daniel Farke. A second season outside of an elite division, considering the impact the last year has had on Gnonto's involvement with Italy, is unlikely to help on that front. And regardless of how keen Leeds might be to keep one or both of their flying wingers, finances might just dictate.