Enzo Maresca wants Leeds United’s ‘remarkable’ £20m target as his first Chelsea signing

Meanwhile, Daniel Farke is gearing up for another Championship spell after losing to Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley. The Whites expect to sell a host of key players this summer.

They will need replacements and a No.10 is another key area where Farke’s side need strengthening. Leeds tried and failed to sign a playmaker last summer, with bids falling through for Nadiem Amiri and Matt O’Riley.

The Whites are now linked with another in the form of talent James McAtee after the 21-year-old starred while on loan at Sheffield United for the past two seasons from parent club Manchester City.

Leeds want James McAtee, but also Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

The report states that Leeds and Southampton have shown interest in the technically excellent McAtee, with a £20m fee required. Leeds are now not the only team showing an interest in the England U21 man.

Indeed, The Sun on Sunday (page 61, 02/06/2024) state that Maresca were keen to lure McAtee to Leicester and were planning a £20m bid, but with a move to Chelsea, those plans are scrapped.

However, and despite a move from Leicester to Chelsea, Maresca is still keen to have McAtee at Stamford Bridge. A move that would see the “outstanding” star follow in Cole Palmer’s footsteps.

Leeds have little chance of doing a deal for McAtee, but they need him

After impressing in the Premier League for the worst team in the top tier, McAtee is certain to earn a place at a Premier League club, whether on loan or a permanent fee, in the coming weeks and months.

But McAtee is the type of player Leeds need. Had the Whites been promoted, he would have been an excellent addition to Farke’s man. A player capable of conjuring magic out of absolutely nothing.

Leeds need to go down the list and find an alternative as close to McAtee as possible and hope it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg given our defeat in the Championship play-off final last month.

Similar topics