Here are your Leeds United transfer rumours on Thursday, March 31.
Nydman makes Downes claim
Former Ipswich Town defender Tristan Nydman would love to see Swansea City playmaker make the big move to the Premier League amid potential interest from Leeds United. The Whites currently sit seven points clear of the relegation zone, having won their last two matches before the international break.
With Leeds now in a better position to stay in the top-flight, Jesse Marsch can possibly start planning for the summer as he looks to strengthen his squad. Downes is someone who has been linked with a move to the Whites, while Lewis O'Brien and Brendan Aaronson could also make the move to Elland Road.
GO HERE: Rate Jesse Marsch's opening month in charge of Leeds United
However, Kalvin Phillips' future could determine how many midfielders Leeds manage bring in. And Nydman believes that Downes could end up in the top-flight.
“From what Swansea fans have been saying, Flynn has been incredible (this season),” the recently-retired Nydman, who played alongside Downes at Portman Road, told the BBC.
“I’ve watched a few of their games. Hopefully, he ends up in the Premier League. Hopefully he plays for England.”
Man Utd could sell Garner
Manchester United loanee James Garner continues to be linked with a move away from the club this summer. The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he has made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring three times.
He has been in impressive form throughout the season as Steve Cooper's side push for a play-off spot despite a dismal start. The Reds sat bottom of the division after eight matches, but Cooper's arrival has rejuvenated Forest and Garner has been at the heart of their up-turn in fortunes, often playing in a midfield-two with Ryan Yates.
Leeds United are reportedly one of a number of Premier League clubs who are keen to sign Garner at the end of the season. And according to the Daily Mail, Man United are willing to let him leave on a permanent deal as he searches for regular first-team football.
Garner has made just seven senior appearances for the Red Devils after coming through the club's academy, but United's depth in his position could see him depart in the summer. Jurgen Klopp was amongst those to have praised Garner after Liverpool's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup earlier in the month.
Orta makes Raphinha admission
Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has set the record straight on the details of Raphinha's contract after it was claimed the winger has a release clause in the case of the Whites remaining in the Premier League. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on his Twitter account that the Brazil international has two release clauses in his contract, covering the possibility of both top flight survival and relegation to the Championship.
He claimed that €75m would be required to prise Raphinha away from West Yorkshire if Leeds stayed up but later provided clarification on the matter, insisting there is only a clause in place if Jesse Marsch's men are relegated and that the fee required would be €25m.
Orta has moved to erase any lingering doubts over Raphinha's contract by confirming there is no release clause in place if Leeds keep their heads above water.
Speaking to Radio Marca, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, he said: "Raphinha doesn’t have a clause if we stay in the Premier League. I say this because a transfer guru said the other day that he had a clause for an amount and he doesn’t. Sometimes the transfer guru is wrong.
"He doesn’t have a clause if we stay in the Premier League."
Orta's record when it comes to recruitment has been intensely scrutinised in recent years as he has overseen some underwhelming signings. However, the capture of Raphinha for a reported fee of £17m from Rennes certainly lands in the list of successful signings made since Orta arrived at Elland Road.
The Spaniard has revealed he told Raphinha early on in negotiations that the winger would be going to the 2022 World Cup, something that is now a possibility given he has broken into the Brazil squad. He said: "When the player knocked on the door of Leeds, the first thing I said to him was, ‘you’re going to invite me to the World Cup in Qatar’.
"And he looked stupid, he didn’t believe it. We’ve been meeting our goals and the player knows that Leeds and his coaching staff, who have collaborated a lot, and the club has helped his figure grow and has responded with great quality, being a differential player in the league.
"He has to continue doing the same and in summer, when the time comes, I’m sure there’s time for everything."
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