Joe Rodon’s move to Leeds United is “just about there” with the club set to beat a trio of Premier League sides to the defender, according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported via Twitter on 1 July that the finances on offer elsewhere were “a bit more lucrative” with Leicester, Ipswich and Brentford all alternative options for the Welshman this summer.
An official announcement is likely to come within 24 hours as Smyth suggests it might not be “until tomorrow”, with Rodon having decided to return to Elland Road following a strong loan last term.
The 26-year-old is set to move with Archie Gray going the opposite direction [The Athletic, 1 July].
Leeds United to beat Ipswich, Leicester and Brentford
It will be a welcome development for Daniel Farke to secure a key part of his squad from last term, even if it comes as another one departs.
Rodon was impressive alongside both Pascal Struijk and then international teammate Ethan Ampadu at the back under the German last season, in what looked for long periods to be a promotion campaign.
Exits became unavoidable after the late-season slump saw Leeds United drop into the play offs and ultimately lose to Southampton at Wembley.
Gray being perhaps the most high-profile of the summer is not what fans wanted to see, but landing Rodon is a positive.
That he had other options, with Ipswich said to have had a £10million bid rejected [Alasdair Gold, 1 July], to remain in the top flight but wanted to rejoin the Whites will only boost his standing in West Yorkshire.
Farke will now have to hope he can add enough pieces around him this summer without losing too many more stars to right the wrongs of the previous campaign and stage a return to the Premier League.
