‘Here we go’ – Fabrizio Romano confirms £15m move for Leeds United target as eight-goal Georginio Rutter replacement ‘eyed’

The clock is ticking for Leeds United with just nine days until the transfer window closes and plenty still to do. Georginio Rutter became the fourth first-team regular to leave on Monday after Brighton and Hove Albion triggered his £40million release clause, joining Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara in swapping Elland Road for top-flight football. Recruitment chiefs are yet to adequately replace any of the aforementioned quartet and now have a huge task on their hands over the next nine days.

Speculation is starting to intensify as club chiefs step up their search for targets, with Daniel Farke already making clear he wants four arrivals – two attackers, a central midfielder and cover at full-back. But Leeds will seemingly not be rushed into anything and are not prepared to overpay. With all that in mind, the YEP has rounded up some of the latest stories surrounding the club.

Leeds target Bashir Humphreys will soon be announced as a Burnley player after all relevant documents were signed by themselves and Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano reports the Clarets will pay an initial fee of £12m next summer, with a potential further £2.7m add-ons and the insertion of an undisclosed sell-on clause.

Burnley emerged as front-runners for Humphreys early this summer, with Scott Parker keen on defensive reinforcements after news of Dara O’Shea’s expected move to the Premier League. Romano reported over the weekend that a deal had been agreed for the 21-year-old to move on a season-long loan initially, with an obligation to buy included.

The details of that obligation have now been confirmed with almost £15m committed to the versatile defender. The YEP understands Leeds did like Humphreys but the England youth international was not a priority, with defensive additions more likely to come in the form of natural cover at left-back – as suggested by known interest in Feyenoord-bound Wolves man Hugo Bueno.

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