Bournemouth star sends 'final goodbye' after Leeds make move
Leeds United transfer target James Hill said what could be a final goodbye to Bournemouth fans at the Vitality Stadium.
Daniel Farke's Leeds side have made a move for Hill as the defender enters the final year of his Bournemouth contract, as Leeds bulk up their squad in a bid to buck the trend of promoted sides being sent straight back down.
Bournemouth are a prime example of this strategy working perfectly and have done business with the Whites in recent summers, signing Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra in 2023 after Leeds' last relegation.
Andoni Iraola's squad has undergone an exodus this summer with Sinisterra the latest player to leave on a loan move to Cruzeiro, and Hill could be the latest of numerous defenders to leave if his move to Elland Road is sanctioned.
'First of the season' – James Hill pours water on Bournemouth exit
Bournemouth's defence is unrecognisable with three of last season's usual back four sold this summer, as Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illya Zabarnyi joined Real Madrid, Liverpool and PSG respectively.
Hill's ability to play both centre-back and right-back has attracted Leeds and Daniel Farke's attention, but the 23-year-old remains part of Iraola's plans and came on late in their win over Wolves on Saturday.
Marcus Tavernier's fourth-minute strike proved decisive at the Vitality Stadium as the Cherries edged the 10 men of Wolves 1-0, and Hill posted on Instagram on Sunday after his 88th-minute cameo.
Hill said; "Back at the Vitality for the first home game of the season and 3points on the board!", as both fellow defender Marcos Senesi and Brazil striker Evanilson responded with a pair of 'fire' emojis.
Leeds to look elsewhere amid Bournemouth transfer stance
Football Insider Verdict
Hill's Instagram post does nothing to suggest he's planning a Bournemouth farewell any time soon, particularly given the Cherries' next home game comes after the end of the summer transfer window.
Leeds instead look set to plug their gap of defensive versatility with Leicester City's James Justin, who they have agreed a deal worth £8million plus add-ons for as Farke finalises his squad for the year ahead.
Football Insider revealed on 24 August that Farke still wants four new additions this summer including another full-back on either side, but with Justin able to cover both flanks, Leeds' interest in Hill could be at an end.