Leeds United are in pole position to sign a ‘fantastic’ Championship star who is wanted across Europe.
Leeds eye on signing in-demand defender
Leeds achieved a good result to take a point from Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace after playing more than 45 minutes with 10 men, with the game ending 0-0 and manager Daniel Farke praised his team’s attitude.
Wake said: “I trust my mates with my life. We’re not perfect, but the mentality in the dressing room is second to none. In these conditions, in a difficult away game, we defended the entire time and gave no chances. Great spirit, defense, clean sheet and one point away.”
“I’m proud of the way we defended. There were times in the second half when I thought we could win.”
Indeed, the manager was particularly impressed with his side’s performance defensively, although the team has struggled at times to maintain tension at the back this season, conceding more goals than any other Premier League side outside the relegation zone.
It therefore makes sense to strengthen their defense in the summer transfer window, with Leeds now in pole position in the race to sign Manchester City centre-back Steven Mfuni, who is currently on loan at Championship side Watford.
This is according to Alan Nixon (via MOT Leeds News), who says Los Blancos are leading the race for Mfuni despite widespread interest from across Europe, with lesser-known clubs in Germany and Spain also keen.
Championship sides could also compete for the 18-year-old, but Manchester City believe he is ready to play in the top flight, meaning a deal could hinge on Farke’s side avoiding relegation.
Is ‘Fantastic’ Mfuni ready for Premier League move?
The starlet has certainly attracted attention during his loan move to Watford, with manager Ed Still saying: “He’s great. He’s the third Manchester City defender I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Last season we had Abdukkodir Kusanov at Lens and then we had Djuma Bar, who is now a CFG (City Football Group) player at Nice.
“In terms of potential, he (Muhni) is there. It shows the obvious. Everyone who was at the Vic (Vicurage Road) on Tuesday was reminded of how good a player he already is. He’s only 18 years old. To be honest, I think his ceiling is what he wants and it’s as simple as that.”
The teenager is a centre-back by trade but is also capable of playing at left-back and was recently very impressive in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday.
Steven Mfuni’s key stats against Sheffield Wednesday | completed number |
Duel (win) | 8(8) |
dribbling (successful) | 2(2) |
clearance | 6 |
intercept | 2 |
Mkhuni has shown signs that he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League and it is exciting news that Leeds are leading the race to sign him.
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Leeds have fended off interest in the forward for years.
