Here are the latest Leeds United transfer rumours on Saturday, May 21.
Dan James in European side’s summer transfer notebook
Leeds will be braced to lose several players if they are unable to finish the Premier League season above Burnley on Sunday. Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips are the two that many would expect to leave but others could follow them out of the exit door.
Dan James could be one of those as Serie A side Atalanta are said to have earmarked the Wales international, according to Calcio Atalanta. The club’s new head of recruitment Lee Congerton – who most recently operated with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester – is a big admirer of the wideman and the Italian club reportedly touched base with his agent a few weeks ago.
Like many other clubs, Atalanta will be keenly watching Sunday’s relegation battle as they know that James will likely come cheaper if Leeds are relegated.
Read more: Leeds United loanee fates, 49ers relegation plans, Elland Road development
Helder Costa ‘will definitely leave’ Valencia at the end of his loan
One of the reasons for the signing of James at the end of last summer was because of Helder Costa’s loan departure to Valencia. The Angolan winger was out of favour at Elland Road and was looking to breathe life into a career that was at risk of stagnating.
However, he has failed to impress in La Liga and will return to West Yorkshire for pre-season ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as per El Desmarque in Spain. He has made 22 league appearances for Valencia this season but has only started four since the turn of the year.
Schwarzer backs Phillips to succeed at Manchester City
As mentioned, Phillips seems likely to leave Leeds in the summer if they are unable to secure safety on Sunday. Given the stage of his career, as well as his international aspirations ahead of the winter World Cup, it is hard to imagine him willing to risk a year in the Championship.
Manchester City are the latest side to be linked with a move for the England midfielder as they look to cover for Fernandinho’s imminent departure. When asked whether Phillips would succeed at the Etihad Stadium on ‘The Football Show’ on Sky Sports News, Mark Schwarzer had no doubts.
"Yeah 100 per cent, I think it’s a logical player linked,” said the former Premier League goalkeeper. “It’s the sort of player Manchester City would want to go for. He’s British, he is an up and coming talent and he has proven himself at international level.
"I thought he had a fantastic Euros, this season obviously has been hampered a little bit by injury but I think he would be a player that would easily fit in with Manchester City."
