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Leeds to move quickly for Raphinha replacement Moses Simon with transfer already agreed

Moses Simon Nantes May 2022

Leeds United are in competition with Ligue 1 side Nice to sign Nantes forward Moses Simon, according to a report in France.

Leeds are chasing a number of reinforcements this summer with Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips set to leave Elland Road. Raphinha is closing in on a move to Chelsea, while Man City are close to wrapping up a deal for Phillips.

City have agreed a fee of around £42m for Phillips. While Leeds are holding out for £65m for the Brazilian Raphinha.

Some of that income will be put back into the team, although Leeds have already spent £50m this summer on three signings.

Simon, 26, is a Nigeria international, who can play all across the frontline. He is right footed, although he played the majority of last season on the left wing.

The winger scored six goals and grabbed eight assists from 30 Ligue 1 games last season. And he looks like an option to replace Raphinha.

RMC Sport, via Sport Witness, report the player is “attracting interest” and Leeds are one of the clubs who are interested.

Nice are also chasing the forward, who impressed last term and who was linked with Newcastle most recently.

Nantes deputy general manager Franck Kita has stated the player will be sold “if there are very interesting offers”on the table for him.

Leeds chase three new signings

But Victor Orta will have to move quickly to invest the money expected from Phillips and Raphinha because Nice have a deal in place.

The report claims Nice have an agreement in place with Nantes. Exactly what that deal looks like is not revealed. But Newcastle were reportedly ready to pay £17m and £100,000-a-week for Simon this summer.

Whether Leeds have to wait until they have banked the money for Phillips or Raphinha before making an approach is unclear.

New Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is believed to be looking for at least three new recruits.

Marsch has already added Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen. But according to Sky Sports‘ Tim Thornton the former Reb Bull Leipzig chief wants a new central midfielder, winger and central striker.

American Marsch is thought to prefer a system with two strikers. And so a partner for Patrick Bamford is expected to arrive in West Yorkshire.

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