Leeds reportedly in hunt to sign 6ft 2 PL enforcer, would be Victor Orta masterstroke
COMMENT
Leeds United are reportedly one of a number of clubs in the hunt to sign West Ham enforcer Reece Burke.
The Mirror has reported that Leeds, Rangers, Aston Villa and Reading are all eyeing up permanent swoops for Burke, 21, in the summer transfer window after he impressed on loan at Bolton.
It is understood that Sheffield Wednesday are however leading the race for the 6ft 2in defender's signature as they are plotting to sign him on loan deal.
Burke was in fine form for Bolton this season and played a key role in keeping the club up in the Championship.
He made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Trotters and scored one goal which came against Reading in November.
Leeds do need reinforcements at the back and given how highly-rated Burke is among the West Ham supporters, it would be an absolute masterstroke if director of football Victor Orta was able to snap him up ahead of the likes of Rangers.
Out of the teams interested, Leeds and Villa will probably be able to fund a move better than say Rangers or Reading.
If Villa are promoted to the Premier League then they could drop their interest as they would seek better targets, meaning that Leeds could be the team that is best-placed financially to seal a permanent swoop.
It should be an exciting summer for Leeds fans and it seems that Orta may have learned from his mistakes in raiding Premier League club West Ham for someone with Championship experience and a great future ahead of him.