‘Leeds working on deal to sign new goalkeeper after Daniel Farke green light’
Leeds United will aim to sign a new goalkeeper as a priority in the summer transfer window and have already begun working on a deal.
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 “desperate” to land a new number one.
This comes amid suggestions of a possible squad overhaul, with Illan Meslier leading the list of players who could be sold at Elland Road.
The 25-year-old was axed for the final seven games of the season and is no longer believed to play a part in Farke’s plans for the future.
Football Insider revealed on 5 May that Leeds are lining up ten new signings after clinching the Championship title on the final day of the season.
Meanwhile, Football Insider also revealed Leeds are set to back Farke heavily in the transfer window as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Leeds plot goalkeeper swoop as transfer plan emerges
Brown told Football Insider on 29 April that Leeds want to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who would represent a stable option between the sticks.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player experience after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that work is already ongoing behind the scenes to identify a top target.
“Leeds are looking like they’ll be busy,” he told Football Insider.
“They have got a lot of top Championship players, but not many Premier League players.
“The goalkeeper has had a nightmare season and they decided to drop him from the team.
“Daniel Farke doesn’t think he can rely on him as his first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League, and he’s desperate to bring somebody in that he can rely on.
“So it’s all very busy at Leeds as they scramble to look for new options.
“I’ve mentioned before there are a few options for that, we spoke about Sam Johnstone, but Leeds will have a list of top-class players they want to target.
“They’re working behind the scenes to see which of those would be open to the move, then they can decide who their top target is and go for it.”
Jamie Vardy swoop on the cards at Elland Road
Alongside the addition of a new goalkeeper, Leeds are also preparing to bolster their attacking options by bringing in a new striker.
Brown told Football Insider on 6 May that Jamie Vardy is a target for Leeds after he announced his decision to leave Leicester at the end of the season.
However, there is a feeling that they do not want to rely on the 38-year-old to provide all of their goals and will target another “top-class” striker alongside him.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 13 April that Leeds are prioritising signing a striker as they do not believe Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are Premier League players.
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