Exclusive: Patrick Bamford is quitting Leeds as he prepares to join new club
Leeds United star Patrick Bamford is open to staying in England or moving abroad this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 31-year-old is set to leave United after seven years at the club, ahead of their upcoming campaign in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke publicly announced that Bamford is not part of his plans for the future, and will be training with the under-21s until he departs.
Sources say that it will be an open race for the striker’s signature, with a number of clubs in with the chance of securing a deal.
Bamford’s wages are too high for Championship sides
Bamford may drop down to the Championship in order to find some more game time, but sources say that clubs in the second tier might struggle to afford his wages.
Therefore, the forward could be in line for a move abroad, with the MLS a potential destination.
Last season, Bamford didn’t start a single Championship game for Leeds, as they were promoted back to the Premier League as title-winners.
Farke clearly doesn’t rate the former Chelsea man, preferring the likes of Joel Piroe to lead the line.
As he’s only in his early 30s, Bamford still has time to establish himself as the first-choice striker at a new club, and game time will be a priority for him as he seeks a new challenge.
‘Leeds accelerate plan to sign Ben Chilwell’
Meanwhile, Leeds are reportedly considering a move to sign Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell and are keeping a close eye on his situation at Stamford Bridge.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that Farke is keen to bring Premier League experience into his side.
This comes despite the £10million signing of Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson, as Leeds aim to add further strength in depth to their back line.
Brown told Football Insider on 15 July that Premier League clubs want to sign Chilwell, with all parties keen on a departure from Chelsea this summer.
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