Leeds United have given up, at least for the time being on signing Norwich City’s Emi Buendia.
Newly promoted Leeds have been reported long-time admirers of the Canaries’ playmaker, having scouted him prior to him signing for Norwich. Since City’s relegation and Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League there has been plenty of speculation that Leeds’ manager, Marcelo Bielsa would be keen to add Buendia to his squad.
It’s all gone a little quiet on the Emi front though, hasn’t it?
He is back in Norfolk and has been seen in photos of the first team’s return to training at Colney this week, so what’s going on?
https://twitter.com/em10buendia/status/1296163915735408647?s=21
Well, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Leeds are looking elsewhere due to the fee that Norwich want for their Argentinian star.
Norwich want plenty. Leeds gone elsewhere. At this stage anyway. https://t.co/bvBDHZJj7O
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 23, 2020
It’s clear that with three years (I think) left on his City contract that Buendia, or any other player for that matter, wouldn’t be allowed to leave on the cheap. The mini-saga involving Liverpool’s derisory bid for Jamal Lewis showed us that.
Nixon has also suggested that Rangers winger, Ryan Kent could well be another option for Leeds instead of Buendia.
That would be Kent surely … https://t.co/hsAVyvgB2O
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 23, 2020
With the transfer window open until mid-October, there are sure to be twists and turns before then. Speaking of which, Nixon also provided in his usual Sunday transfer tweeting round-up a little update on Ben Gibson, a reported Norwich target this summer.
Burnley want to move Gibson on and the player just wants to play. There has been some talk that a swap deal with Nottingham Forest for Joe Worral could be a goer, however, his childhood club, MIddlesbrough, who are also owned by his Uncle Steve Gibson, are also keen on re-signing him.
Burnley. Forest want 10m for Joe Worrall. Putting them off at this stage. Gibson and Boro return on loan still looks favourite.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 23, 2020
Money as always will be a factor and with Gibson on a reported £45k per week, he’s going to have to take a big drop to join any Championship team this summer.
OTBC