Revealed: Leeds expect senior star to finalise exit next week

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Published on:

14 Jul 2019, 2:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Wayne Veysey

Leeds United expect Vurnon Anita to finalise a transfer from the club next week, Football Insider understands.

The Holland international, 30, has held extensive talks about a move to Greek club Panathinaikos after being given the green light to find a new club by Marcelo Bielsa.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that the club believe a deal is close to being agreed and that Anita will head out of Elland Road with a year remaining of his contract.

The versatile senior ace, who can play in central midfield as well as at full-back, was hailed as a shrewd signing when he joined Leeds in the summer of 2017 on a free transfer after his Newcastle United contract had expired.

Anita has a wealth of top-level experience, including 106 Premier League appearances, three Holland caps and played a key role in Newcastle's 2016-17 promotion campaign.

But he did not make a big impact at Elland Road, either under Thomas Christiansen or Paul Heckingbottom, and was used mainly as a back-up option at full-back rather than in his favourite central midfield role.

Bielsa sanctioned a loan to Dutch side Willem II last season and how Anita is set to head permanently out of Elland Road.

In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that the club have set their sights on three new signings.

Leeds United

Vurnon Anita