Leeds United

Leeds United

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Leeds United favourites to sign Calvin Ramsay despite late intervention from Italian suitors

Calvin Ramsay, Aberdeen defender, during the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-offs, second leg match at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen

Leeds United remain in the driving seat to sign Calvin Ramsay this summer despite a reported late effort from Bologna to pinch his transfer.

The Whites, having secured Premier League safety on the final day, are busy forwarding plans to strengthen their squad. And they seem in a hurry to bolster their options with a deal for long-term target Brenden Aaronson nearing a conclusion.

That transfer will see Leeds pay out the third highest fee in their history with £24m required to prise the American from RB Salzburg.

Indeed, the club are seemingly showing serious willing to right the wrongs of their January window. Having failed to sign a single player, the club came in for widespread criticism from their fanbase. As such, amid an injury crisis that had ripped them spine from their spine, there were serious fears among fans they could get dragged into a relegation battle.

As it was, only a last-day win at Brentford saw the club able to guarantee their place among the elite.

And having almost paid the ultimate price for their oversight, the club appears in a hurry to bring in fresh blood.

To that end, director of football Victor Orta is also reportedly working on two other quick deals. One is reportedly for an unnamed Premier League striker; the identity of which remains something of a mystery.

And while the second player’s identity was also shrouded in doubt, La Gazzetta dello Sport reckons it is in fact Ramsay.

Calvin Ramsay in high demand

The teenager has made a big name for himself in Scotland with Aberdeen, making 33 appearances this season.

His form has alerted Liverpool and Leeds to his signature, while Bologna are also keen.

Liverpool were thought to be leading the charge for his signature.

However, La Gazzetta suggests it is Leeds who are leading the bidding.

Addressing the player from a Bologna perspective, they state that La Rossa are considering a renewed bid for the right-back. However, the Serie A side have seemingly learned Leeds are readying a £5.1m bid to land him.

That fee would seemingly rule Bologna out of the equation.

The report, however, does state Aberdeen are in no hurry to sell the teenager. He is on a contract to 2024 and, while he will depart this summer, the Dons are prepared to wait. That’s because they are seemingly waiting to see if a bidding war may drive up his price even higher.

Leeds not in desperate need for a right-back

Despite Ramsay coming with a huge reputation, Leeds United are not in desperate need for a new right-back. They currently have the experienced Luke Ayling as first choice, while youngster Cody Drameh is also an solid option there.

However, Ayling has now undergone knee surgery, ruling him out until the Autumn. As a result, Drameh is expected to come back into the reckoning after finishing the season on loan at Cardiff.

In fact, so good was Drameh’s impact in south Wales, that he was named the Bluebirds’ Player of the Season.

Leeds interested in Sergino Dest from Barcelona

Leeds interested in Sergino Dest from Barcelona

Leeds United are interested in signing Sergino Dest from Barcelona

He, though, now returns to Elland Road with a fresh chance to impress, having fallen foul of previous boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds finished the season with Robin Koch covering at right-back; the German letting no-one down with some solid performances.

However, Drameh will never get a better time to underline his qualities to Leeds in light of Ayling’s absence.

And while Calvin Ramsay is seen as one for the future, signing a right-back is not one of Leeds’ biggest issues to address this summer.

United are also reportedly chasing Sergino Dest, with the Barcelona star able to cover both full-back positions.