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Leeds joined by Prem side with Europe on offer in battle to rescue Alberth Elis from third tier

Alberth Elis celebrates for Bordeaux

West Ham have reportedly joined Leeds United in the race for Honduran forward Alberth Elis, who would be playing in the third tier without a move this summer.

Elis spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Bordeaux from Boavista, scoring nine goals. However, his side suffered relegation from Ligue 1. To make matters worse, they have been demoted further due to financial issues.

As things stand, they will be playing in the French third tier next season. Yet they have still managed to make their move for Elis permanent.

Still, he is one of many players other clubs may be looking at as an opportunity now. Earlier this month, he was linked with Leeds, who are bracing themselves for the potential departure of Raphinha this summer.

Now, according to Diario Diez in Elis’ native Honduras, the winger has been the subject of some offers to Bordeaux.

Among the interested parties – although it is not made clear if they have been responsible for any of the bids themselves – are Premier League pair Leeds and West Ham. Another suitor is Fenerbahce from Turkey.

For now, though, Bordeaux are not rushing into a sale of Elis, despite their predicament. They are holding out for as good a deal as they can get for the 26-year-old.

It is not yet clear exactly how much they may be able to receive for the right-footer.

Alberth Elis in intriguing situation amid links with Leeds and West Ham

A move to the Premier League would be an interesting one for Elis. He has never played in England before.

But he has certainly earned himself a bigger stage than playing in the third tier of French football. Therefore, a departure from Bordeaux – where he is back in training – seems likely.

Alberth Elis protecting the ball from Kylian Mbappe

As stated, Leeds could move for a new attacking midfielder if they lose Raphinha. Meanwhile, West Ham would be trying to replace Andriy Yarmolenko, while Manuel Lanzini is entering the final 12 months of his contract and they could be worried about losing Jarrod Bowen in the future.

West Ham have the added lure of being able to offer European football next season. After finishing seventh in the Premier League, they will be in the next edition of the Europa Conference League.

Leeds, on the other hand, narrowly escaped relegation. Therefore, they are looking for players who can make them more comfortable in Jesse Marsch’s first full season at the helm.

Elis is not particularly a household name in England. Hence, there may be some doubts about his possible move to either side.

But his figures from last season, for a relegated side, seem promising. With that in mind, he could be one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

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