According to a report from Give Me Sport, Leeds United have formally enquired about signing Bilal El Khannouss. The newly promoted outfit see this as a great market opportunity to sign the Leicester City sensation for a bargain fee, and they are willing to do everything in their power to beat West Ham United in the race.
El Khannouss came up the ranks at KRC Genk and made quite a name for himself while playing for their first team before joining Leicester last summer in a deal worth £21 million. While the Moroccan international was one of their standout performers, he couldn’t help them stay up.
The Foxes suffered in the English top flight and ended up getting relegated back to the Championship. While El Khannouss still has three years left on his deal, he has no intentions of playing in the second division. He wants to play at the highest level, and there is a relegation release clause worth €26 million (£22.5m) in his contract, which could make it a possibility.
Multiple top clubs are aware of the bargain clause and they are willing to prise Bilal El Khannouss away. Leeds are one of those clubs that see this as a great market opportunity. They have already established contact with Leicester to find out about the terms of the deal.
Daniel Farke’s team have been quite busy this summer as they look to ensure they have enough quality in their squad to survive in the top flight. They have already signed a handful of players and are now looking for a more creative option in the centre of the park.
Leeds feel Bilal El Khannouss could do wonders for them. While he prefers playing as a number ten, he can feature out wide on the left as well as in a deeper role in midfield. Apart from the Yorkshire-based club, West Ham United are also quite keen on his signature.
Graham Potter lacks depth in the final third, and they believe the versatile El Khannouss could come in handy. However, Leeds are doing everything in their power to beat the Hammers to his signature.
As per Sacha Tavolieri, Farke’s team held a meeting with the player’s camp on Wednesday during which they made it clear that they are ready to trigger his release clause. They are willing to pay £24.5 million to sign Bilal El Khannouss, with solidarity contribution & taxes to Leicester City available until 15 August.
