‘Leeds United trying to stop another Everton hijack’
Leeds will have to fend off an Everton hijack if they are to sign Manor Solomon on a permanent deal from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Elland Road, where he has shone under Daniel Farke, but is attracting interest from Premier League sides.
Farke’s side are expecting to win promotion back to English football’s top tier this season and view Solomon as a key part of their team and their future.
However, the Toffees are keen to hijack any permanent deal by moving quickly to secure his signature in a deal with Tottenham.
That is according to former Leeds and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who told Football Insider that Solomon is seen as one of Everton’s top targets.
Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are looking to add more attacking talent to David Moyes’ team in the summer.
This news will come as a source of frustration for Leeds, as Everton have also attempted to lure Elland Road CEO Angus Kinnear to Goodison Park after he emerged as a target to replace Colin Chong.
Leeds United and Everton race to sign Manor Solomon from Spurs
Since his arrival on loan in the summer, Solomon has scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 26 Championship games, attracting watching eyes from a number of clubs.
The Israel international has quickly become a fans’ favourite at Elland Road, as there have been continued calls for Leeds to sign him permanently from Tottenham.
However, Everton believe he would be an ideal addition to their team as they look to strengthen out wide following a strong start to Moyes’ tenure.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson backed the winger to make the move to Goodison Park, where he would be “a good fit”.
“He looks a good player at that level,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s played 26 times for Leeds, got seven goals and seven assists.
“The question is whether he can make the step up, and I think out of that Leeds team he is one of the players who can compete in the Premier League.
“The expectation at Leeds now is to go up, but they need to buy Premier League players.
“He is one of the players that would add to Leeds and make them Premier League-ready.
“As far as Everton are concerned, we speak every week about them needing a winger.
“Solomon can play on either flank and can play as a number ten, depending on the formation David Moyes wants to adopt, and he’s a player that would bolster their ranks.
“He’s 25 now, you’re not waiting for potential, he’s ready and wants to go and play.
“Everton aren’t the only side interested, obviously Leeds are there as well but they’re only in contention if they earn promotion to the Premier League.
“Solomon, you would expect since he’s been loaned out by Tottenham, is going to be the subject of a bidding war in the summer.
“The important think for him is to play regular football, and I think Everton is a good fit for him, but there will be a lot of clubs looking at him.”
Daniel Farke must earn promotion amid backroom turmoil
Farke is under pressure to achieve promotion to the Premier League this season, and currently has his side at the top of the Championship following a dramatic win v Sunderland.
However, he is having to manage against a backdrop of behind-the-scenes confusion at Elland Road amid growing concerns about the owners and backroom team.
Everton’s attempts to poach Kinnear have raised new questions, although Leeds’ promotion charge is thought to have complicated the situation on both sides.
Meanwhile, supporters are fearing 49ers Enterprises could be poised to sell their Leeds shares to Red Bull amid their attempts to buy Scottish giants Rangers.
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