FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Leeds United v Leicester City - Elland Road, Leeds, Britain - April 25, 2023 General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
Crysencio Summerville is reportedly being courted by West Ham, but Leeds United is holding out for a £40 million deal, according to talkSPORT.
The sale of Archie Gray to Tottenham on July 30 for the same sum, according to the outlet’s website, strengthened the Whites’ resolve to demand a high fee if they were to let another star go, and it is becoming too much for the Hammers.
The team led by Julen Lopetegui is only willing to spend up to about £20 million, and they are currently “on the verge of pulling out” of the hunt.
On July 22, Fabrizio Romano reported that Summerville, 22, had received an approach from West Ham, but that the agreement was “very expensive.”
Tottenham’s acquisition strengthens Leeds United versus the Hammers
Even with Joe Rodon returning from Spurs on a permanent deal at the same time, it would be difficult to find a Whites fan who wasn’t saddened by the departure of homegrown teenager Gray.
The bright side, though, might be that they could hang onto the Championship Player of the Season from the previous campaign, which would help them much in their attempt to win it again.
Everton’s apparent withdrawal from Willy Gnonto [Football Transfers, July 29] following their acquisition of Jesper Lindstrom is likely to heighten expectations that other high-profile players will not follow Gray and Glen Kamara out of the club unless Leeds demands it.
Daniel Farke won’t be out of the picture even if West Ham gives up on Summerville; Rennes wants to add him to Kamara [L’Equipe, July 16] and there is interest from other Premier League teams as well.
Giants Liverpool and Chelsea have both been reported to be interested in Brighton during the summer window [The Sun, 28 May], while Brighton has already made its own approach [Fabrizio Romano, 17 June].
In a comparatively quiet transfer window, Arne Slot’s Anfield team may pose the biggest threat to them. This would be especially unfortunate at Elland Road given the club’s previous attempts to get the Dutchman before Premier League relegation.
