Leeds ponder next move as Chelsea set fee for star unwanted by Lampard
Leeds are reported to be considering their options after Chelsea named their price for striker Michy Batshuayi.
The striker has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and is expected to move on this summer. He made just 24 appearances last season, many of which came off the bench. Now the signing of Timo Werner looks set to limit his action further.
In fact, having been signed back in 2016, the Belgian has managed just 77 appearances for the Blues.
As per the Daily Express, Frank Lampard is unconvinced by the striker’s abilities and is not rated by the Blues boss.
Batshuayi was first mentioned as a Leeds target over the weekend.
He previously worked under Marcelo Bielsa at Marseille and brought the best out of the striker during their year together.
Journalist Phil Hay has also confirmed Leeds’ possible interest.
Speaking on the The Phil Hay Show podcast, he said: “One who has been mentioned and there has been definitely an interest [from Leeds United] is Michy Batshuayi from Chelsea.
“Bielsa knew him as a youngster at Marseille when he was the manager there so he knows a lot about his game.
“He wouldn’t have to adapt massively to what Bielsa does.”
Batshuayi has just 12 months remaining on his current contract. Therefore, the time would be now if Chelsea were looking to sell and receive a fee.
Now, according to reports, Leeds have been informed that Batshuayi would cost a fee of £22.6m (€25m).
While Leeds do remain keen, the striker’s wage demands could prove an issue. He is reportedly paid £100,000 a week at Stamford Bridge. Leeds would have to make him their top earner by some distance were he to move north.
As such, Leeds are reportedly considering their next move over Batshuayi or whether to pursue other options.
Leeds are also reportedly keen on a deal for Basel striker Arthur Cabral.
The Yorkshire club are set to embark on their first top flight campaign since 2004.
But while they eventually cruised to promotion with a 10-point gap over WBA, questions remain over areas of their squad.
The club will look to bolster their attacking options with Patrick Bamford their only recognised striker.
Kinnear makes Ben White admission
Leeds are also in the market for a new centre-half this summer.
Last season’s loan star Ben White remains a priority but managing director Angus Kinnear has admitted a deal does look difficult.
Kinnear has admitted that Leeds are continuing to speak to Brighton over completing a permanent move.
But he added that there are also three alternative targets lined up, as they make plans in case they fail to land White.
“The reality is, he did a wonderful job for us, but he’s a Brighton player. They rate him very highly, I’m sure they see us as a rival,” Kinnear said.
“There is competition for his position at Brighton. I would imagine they are going to be giving him a level of confidence that he’s going to be selected week in, week out.
“The conversations are continuing but we have to be respectful of Brighton’s position, that he is their player.”
