Leeds United will not sign both Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Liverpool’s Ryan Kent as they do not want to “push their finances that farâ€, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay.
With Kemar Roofe having joined Anderlecht, it seems the Whites are intent on adding a new forward before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
Leeds have been linked with a move for both Nketiah and Kent but Hay explained why the club would not move for both in a Q&A on The Athletic website.
Hay, whose comments were posted on Twitter, explained that Nketiah is thought to be on more than £20,000 per week at the Emirates, while a deal for Kent would cost around £5 million upfront plus the player’s salary.
He claimed: “It doesn’t seem that Leeds want to push their finances that far.â€
Roofe was the Whites top-scorer over the past two seasons, finding the net 29 times despite missing parts of both campaigns due to injury.
Marcelo Bielsa’s current striking options in the senior squad are Patrick Bamford, who scored 10 times in an unconvincing debut season at Elland Road, and 20-year-old Tyler Roberts, who spent large parts of last season on the wing and in attacking midfield.
Bamford made a strong start to the season as the Whites frontman, scoring in their opening weekend win against Bristol City.
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The Verdict
With the money they are reportedly committed to spend on Helder Costa next summer and their suggestions about struggles with financial fair play it is understandable that the club would only feel they’re able to move for one of Kent and Nketiah.
Leeds pursuit of the Liverpool winger has been reported throughout the summer, while their interest in Nketiah has only been picked up over the past few days.
The Arsenal striker is more of an out-and-out goalscorer but in Kent, they would be adding a player they can develop over the next few years.
Whoever the Yorkshire club decide on they need to move quickly to ensure they can bring a replacement in for Roofe before the window shuts at 5 pm tomorrow.