Looking to get their summer business started as soon as possible, the 49ers have now reportedly opened talks with a relegated Premier League defender for Leeds United who is set to become a free agent next month.
Farke receives Leeds backing
After winning the Championship title and earning promotion back to the Premier League, there were some reports that suggested Leeds were ready to part ways with Daniel Farke. Those have since been put to bed by chairman Paraag Marathe however, who took the chance to end any speculation in the middle of the Whites’ recent title celebrations.
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Marathe told reporters: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him. I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have, we have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”
That backing looks set to continue into the summer transfer window too, with reports already coming thick and fast regarding several potential targets. Among those already mentioned are both Beto and Caoimhin Kelleher. Two players who could be on the move from opposite ends of Merseyside, Beto and Kelleher could go from bitter rivals to teammates this summer.
Kelleher would be a particularly important incoming amid Leeds’ goalkeeping struggles at the end of the season. By signing the Irishman, those at Elland Road would finally have their replacement for Illan Meslier, who made one mistake too many throughout the campaign and even found himself dropped for Karl Darlow in the closing weeks.
It’s not just Kelleher and Beto who have reportedly made the 49ers’ shortlist, however. The American owners have also seemingly set their sights on a bargain deal to sign a relegated star this summer.
Leeds open talks to sign Walker-Peters
According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, the 49ers are now in talks to sign Kyle Walker-Peters when his contract expires at Southampton at the end of next month to make him a free agent.
Bailey told Leeds United News when asked about the full-back: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”
Whilst it has been deemed a tough deal for those at Elland Road to pull off, the 49ers certainly seem in an ambitious move and there’s no denying just how much of a bargain they could land by signing Walker-Peters this summer.
Meanwhile, on a personal note, the experienced right-back should be desperate to receive another chance in the Premier League after a disastrous campaign at St Mary’s. Although dubbed “great” by former manager Russell Martin in pre-season, Walker-Peters has since started 32 of his side’s 36 games in a season that saw them become one of the worst sides in Premier League history.
