Leeds slap hefty price tag on key Newcastle target, as second star strongly refutes damaging Twitter rumours
Leeds United have slapped a hefty price tag on Crysensio Summerville ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has been one of the few positives for Leeds supporters this season, but this suggests the Whites are willing to sell him for the right price.
Along with the developments regarding Summerville, key midfielder Weston McKennie has provided an update on his future amid growing speculation.
According to Football Insider, Leeds will demand a fee between £25m and £30m for Summerville, with Newcastle among the favourites to sign him.
However, Borussia Dortmund are also keeping an eye on him as they consider launching a bid in the coming months.
Leeds paid just €1.5M (approx. £1.3m) to sign Summerville from Feyenoord in 2020. It took the youngster a while to break into the first team, but this season, he has scored five goals and made six assists across all competitions.
Summerville is versatile, in that he can play as a winger on either flank. Also, he is only expected to improve as he gains more experience in the Premier League.
With that in mind, the Dutchman could prove to be an excellent long-term addition for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.
McKennie clarifies Twitter rumours
As well as Summerville, there has also been speculation over the future of McKennie recently. He joined Leeds on loan from Juvetnus last summer – and has put in some decent performances so far.
However, the United States international came under fire recently after rumours circulated on social media that he ‘regretted’ joining Leeds, and that it was something he ‘just had to live with.’
This was according to a supposed ‘associate’ of McKennie’s, who was speaking on a ‘Twitter Space’ on Tuesday.
But, McKennie has now clarified the situation on Instagram. He said: “I just wanted to clarify some things said yesterday that have not come from me.
“When people you know look to defend you, they generally do it from a place of love and if I have something to say it will come directly from me.
“As always, the support at Elland Road yesterday was amazing. Lets fight together for the next five games and keep this club where it belongs.”
Leeds are believed to have the option to sign McKennie permanently for £30m. So, it will be interesting to see if they do so.
Relegation could decide Summerville, McKennie future
However, Leeds’ transfer business will ultimately be dependent on their Premier League stats, with Javi Gracia’s side currently in the midst of a relegation battle.
Leeds currently sit in 16th in the Premier League table, but are only two points adrift from the drop zone.
The Whites’ five remaining games come against Bournemouth, Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham. With that in mind, they have a major challenge on their hands to stay safe.
If they are relegated, it’s unlikely McKennie will be signed permanently. As well as him, Summerville may also have to be sold to fund a squad rebuild for the Championship.
