Leeds United appear to be competing alongside another club for the signing of Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.
The attacking midfielder is keen to depart The Foxes this summer as the club was relegated to the Championship after a dismal showing in the Premier League last season.
Despite seeking a move away, El Khannouss played the whole 90 minutes of his current team’s opening game of the Championship season against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday (August 10). Marti Cifuentes’s side came from a goal down to record a 2-1 win.
Leeds have been the frontrunners for the player’s signature, as the club met with his representatives recently over a potential move to last season’s Championship winners.
El Khannouss currently has a release clause believed to be around £24.5m, which Leeds are prepared to meet, in addition to covering taxes and making a solidarity contribution.
However, the release clause to sign the 21-year-old expires this Friday (August 15), so interested clubs need to move quickly in order to get a deal over the line.
The Moroccan international is desired by Leeds, as the only attacking signing made by the club so far this summer is Lukas Nmecha, who joined on a free transfer from VfL Wolfsburg.
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Recently, Leeds boss Daniel Farke admitted that the level of his side’s attack is not where it needs to be ahead of a return to Premier League football.
El Khannouss showed his potential last season as he created 42 chances in the league, despite playing for a struggling Leicester side.
Which club is also looking at El Khannouss this summer?
Per The Telegraph’s John Percy, Newcastle United are keen to sign El Khannouss and could make a move for the player.
According to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Newcastle have already began discussions with the 21-year-old’s entourage.
However, The Magpies have not made an official move just yet as the club wants clarification over certain details of El Khannouss’ release clause.
Despite purchasing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m, Newcastle are desperate for new arrivals as the club has endured a very frustrating summer transfer window.
Targets including Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbuemo, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Mohammed Kudus and James Trafford have opted for moves elsewhere.
Also, star striker Alexander Isak could still move to Liverpool in a big-money deal this summer.
Eddie Howe will be hoping to get some business completed in the transfer market as he will require more options in the coming campaign, having secured Champions League qualification last season.
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