‘Leeds accelerate plan to sign Ben Chilwell’ after £10m deal agreed
Leeds United are 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 remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Daniel Farke is keen to bring Premier League experience into his side.
This comes despite the £10million signing of Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson, as Farke aims to add further strength in depth to his 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.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in February that Chelsea will look to sell Chilwell permanently following his loan move to Crystal Palace.
At Leeds, the departures of Junior Firpo and Max Wober have led to calls for further depth in the left-back position despite Gudmundsson’s signing and Sam Bryam’s new contract.
Leeds eye shock Ben Chilwell swoop after Chelsea reveal
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Chelsea are prepared to cash in on Chilwell to get his wages off the books.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Leeds are among a number of sides keeping a close eye on his situation at Stamford Bridge.
“Ben Chilwell is going to leave Chelsea this summer,” he told Football Insider.
“I think Ben Chilwell is a very, very good full-back and he showed that at times at Palace.
“From what I’m told, there are plenty of Premier League clubs looking at him.
“There are a few clubs short of good left-backs, I know the three promoted clubs have had a look, and West Ham were considering it as well.
“I’d be very surprised if he didn’t leave Chelsea before this window closes, so it’s one to keep an eye on.
“Leeds are one of the interested clubs and have been looking to strengthen at left-back.
“The manager is determined to strengthen his squad after getting promoted, and he wants to add more Premier League experience to help them out.
“This window isn’t just about big deals for the starting XI, they’re going to need depth as well.
“So they’ll be keeping a close eye on Chilwell, because it might depend on how much Chelsea are asking for or what his wage demands are.
“But if he is allowed to leave, I hear they’ll be among the interested parties.”
Jack Harrison has ‘burnt his bridges’ at Elland Road
Alongside their ambitions to strengthen Farke’s squad this summer, Leeds are also keen to shift some fringe players in a bid to raise funds.
Football Insider revealed on 14 July that Jack Harrison will be allowed to leave Leeds this summer and has already burnt his bridges at Elland Road.
This comes amid claims that Everton could reignite their interest in the winger in the coming weeks after two years spent on loan at Goodison Park.
Meanwhile, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Leeds want £10million to sell Harrison, but could let him leave on loan again.
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