Leeds United transfer rumours as Celtic legend confirms summer Matt O’Riley interest
A round-up of your latest Leeds United transfer
Here is your Leeds United transfer round-up for Friday, October 6.
Daniel Farke urged Leeds chiefs to keep Pascal Struijk at Elland Road, according to The Athletic. Originally signed as a centre-back, the Dutchman has provided versatility to United in recent times.
His ability to play at left-back or even in midfield has served successive Leeds managers well and Farke was keen for him to stay at Elland Road. While several high-profile players left in the summer, Struijk stayed put and has played every minute of the Championship campaign so far.
The 24-year-old’s partnership with Joe Rodon at the heart of the defence is essential to securing an instant Premier League return. The report claims Club Brugge were interested in Struijk but their advances were rejected.
Playing in his preferred position has gotten the best out of Struijk, with Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Max Wober all departing in the off-season. Leeds have the fourth-best defensive record in the Championship with Struijk at the back.
Neil Lennon has confirmed Leeds were chasing Celtic sensation Matt O’Riley at the start of the campaign. There were reports that United were lining up a £10million bid for the midfielder, who ultimately wanted to stay at Parkhead.
“I think he’s had a great start to the season,” Lennon said after Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Lazio in the Champions League. “He’s really blossomed. This is his third season now and every week, looking at him now, he’s always on the scoresheet.
“He was a target for a number of clubs and I was speaking to somebody at Leeds and they were really heavy on him. But now he’s on a long-term contract and he’s settling down now. He’s playing at the highest level and we’re seeing the best of him now.”
