Leeds United 'eye' released Fulham winger as Bayer Leverkusen 'line-up' £17m offer for Whites star

It could be a challenging summer for Leeds United as the Whites deal with the financial blow that was delivered by their Championship play-off final defeat against Southampton.

Daniel Farke’s side had gone into their Wembley date with the Saints looking to secure an immediate return to the Premier League just 12 months after suffering relegation from the top tier of English football. However, a goal from former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong ensured the Elland Road outfit must now face up to another season in the Championship and a battle to retain the services of several key players.

The likes of Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray are reportedly the subjects of interest from several top flight clubs and Leeds may now be vulnerable to losing both players as they look to make up the financial shortfall caused by their failed promotion bid. The likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea have been linked with Summerville - but it is newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen that are said to be the latest club to join the race for the former Netherlands Under-21 international. SportBild have claimed Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso are ‘aiming’ to secure a £17m deal for the talented forward and viewed the former Feyenoord man as a realistic target as they look to build on what has been a stunning season.

However, with Farke keen to battle at the top end of the second tier once again next season and go one better, Leeds are also eyeing new additions and their bid to sign Fulham winger Bobby Cordova-Reid has received a major boost after the Liverpool Echo revealed a move for the former Cardiff City man was not on Everton’s agenda. Cordova-Reid will become a free agent later this month as his current Cottagers deal comes to an end and talks over a new contract have reportedly stalled.

Rovers look to SPL to replace Celtic target

The future of Blackburn Rovers striker Sammie Szmodics is set to be one of the stories of the summer transfer window in the Championship.

The Republic of Ireland international plundered his way to 33 goals in just 48 appearances for the former Premier League champions last season and that has reportedly triggered interest from the likes of Everton and Brentford in recent months. However, it is Scottish giants Celtic that are believed to be leading the race for the 28-year-old, who could command a fee of over £15m if he does depart Ewood Park before the start of the new season.

Rovers have reportedly already started the process of identifying potential replacements for Szmodics and HITC have claimed Motherwell striker Theo Blair is in their sights. The Canada international scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances last season and has also been linked with the likes of Cardiff City and Sunderland. However, the report also states Bundesliga newcomers St Pauli are ‘in pole position’ to land the 24-year-old frontman ahead of their return to German football’s top flight.