‘Leeds make Aaron Ramsdale transfer decision – this is what I’ve heard’
Leeds United have joined Newcastle and Bournemouth in the race to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale ahead of the summer window.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Ramsdale is an ideal option to replace Illan Meslier.
However, it is believed the deal will depend on whether Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League as the 26-year-old is keen to remain playing at the top level.
Brown told Football Insider in January that Leeds are working on signing a new goalkeeper, with deals being lined up ahead of the summer transfer window.
Should they achieve promotion to the Premier League, having moved back to first place in the Championship, Ramsdale is believed to be at the top of their list.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 9 April that Leeds will entertain offers for Meslier as he is no longer part of their first-team plans.
Leeds United plan to sign Aaron Ramsdale to replace Illan Meslier
Brown previously told Football Insider that Bournemouth are plotting a move to sign Ramsdale, while Newcastle want Ramsdale to replace Nick Pope.
Now, the former scout 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 his £25million release clause will add to the interest.
“They’ve been looking at at signing a replacement for Meslier,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s got to a point, after all the mistakes he’s made, where the manager will sit down and think ‘right, we need a new goalkeeper’.
“Aaron Ramsdale is one I’ve heard they have an interest in.
“He is going to leave Southampton, and there won’t be any shortage of interest in him because of that release clause in his contract.
“But it will depend on whether Leeds get promoted from the Championship.
“If they miss out, they’re not going to be spending £25million on a goalkeeper.
“But they want to get promoted and they’re putting plans in place for that.”
Daniel Farke facing uncertain future at Elland Road
Ramsdale’s move is not the only thing depending on Leeds’ promotion this season, as pressure continues to grow on Daniel Farke’s position as manager.
Brown told Football Insider on 7 April that Farke will be sacked if Leeds aren’t promoted as the owners will not accept a second season of failure.
Given the money invested into his squad and the players at his disposal, the weight of expectation is believed to be heavy on the manager’s shoulders.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider last month that Farke is under increasing pressure at Leeds in the closing stages of the season.
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