Leeds plotting shock double deal to bring back old boys
Leeds are reportedly plotting a double deal to bring former players Fabian Delph and Danny Rose back to Elland Road.
Boss Marcelo Bielsa knows he needs to add some top-flight experience to his side. Having led Leeds back to the promised land after 16 years.
The Argentine has been handed significant funds to spend by chairman Andrea Radrizzani. And a report in the Daily Star claims Delph and Rose have both been targeted.
Both players started their careers in west Yorkshire, and club bosses are said to believe they would favour a return to Leeds.
Everton star Delph made his senior debut for Leeds back in 2007. He went on to make 44 league appearances before leaving to join Aston Villa in 2009.
The 30-year-old headed to Manchester City in 2015 and won two Premier League titles. But having joined the Toffees last summer for £8.5m, he made just 16 league appearances this season – largely due to injury issues.
The report adds that Leeds are confident of striking a deal of around £5m for Delph.
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Rose, meanwhile, is entering the final 12 months of his Tottenham contract and would command a similar fee.
The 30-year-old spent the second half of this season on loan Newcastle.
The England left-back came through the ranks at Elland Road. But the club were forced to sell him when they went into administration in 2007.
However, Rose is surplus to requirements under Jose Mourinho and will be allowed to move on this summer.
Experienced Prem stars come at a cost
Leeds have already been linked with a number of top players, since winning promotion. But adding two players of this quality, with tons of Premier League experience would certainly make sense.
The one sticking point, however, could be their wage demands – given the age of both players.
Delph and Rose are both in the twilight of their careers and will want to be played accordingly.
Whether or not Radrizzani will want to pay up for two players over 30 remains to be seen. But it would appear that Bielsa wants them on board.
Meanwhile, Leeds have been credited with interest in a move for an Eredivisie right-back, with current club Utretcht said to be ‘preparing for his departure’. Read more…