Leeds United are lining up an ambitious bid to sign Lewis Baker from Chelsea this summer.  

According to the Mirror’s live transfer blog (28/06, 18:20), Leeds have made a move to sign Baker, with the Sky Bet Championship club hoping to secure the midfielder’s service on a permanent basis.

Baker, 23, has made just one senior appearance for Chelsea, with the almost all his experience coming away from Stamford Bridge on-loan.

The midfielder has spent time with Sheffield Wednesday, Vitesse and most recently, Middlesbrough.

Garry Monk signed Baker for Boro last summer, but the 23-year-old struggled to have a huge impact at the Riverside Stadium, particularly after Tony Pulis replaced Monk.

Baker made 14 appearances across all competitions during his time on Teesside, returning two goals for Boro.

Just two of those appearances came in 2018, however, with Pulis placing faith in a number of other players as he and Boro went in search of play-off football in the Championship.

The 23-year-old has returned to Chelsea, with Leeds now reportedly keen to take Baker in a permanent deal this summer.

Should Chelsea not be open to letting Baker leave permanently, Leeds could accept taking the midfielder on-loan.

The Verdict  

There’s no doubt that Baker has talent, but so far in his senior career, we are yet to see him really shine in English football.

Numerous loan spells away from Chelsea will have helped in some way, but the prospect of a permanent deal elsewhere could really help the midfielder develop.

Bringing a player like Baker in on a permanent deal would be ambitious for Leeds, who under Marcelo Bielsa, are trying to make all the right noises in the transfer window.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!