The Athletic writer Phil Hay has cooled Leeds United transfer news speculation linking Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell with a switch to Elland Road.
Leeds have been linked with Cantwell over the weekend, with Nick Mashiter of the Press Association claiming that Marcelo Bielsa’s men are set to sign Cantwell for £15 million.
Cantwell was left out of Norwich’s squad for Sunday’s clash with AFC Bournemouth, adding further fuel to speculation linking him with a move to Elland Road.
However, Hay has downplayed talks of a Leeds bid for Cantwell. Speaking in his weekly Q&A session on The Athletic, the Leeds reporter stated: “All I can say is that sources at this end are playing that one down.”
Cantwell was a bright spark for Norwich last season, scoring six goals while recording two assists for the Canaries. Unfortunately, he was unable to prevent Norwich from dropping down to the second tier.
Hay is widely regarded as the most reliable Leeds journalist around and the Elland Road faithful will be disappointed to hear that Cantwell might not be heading to west Yorkshire.
As reported at 888sport on Sunday night, £15 million is unlikely to cut it anyway as Norwich value Cantwell at around the £30 million mark.
Cantwell is undoubtedly talented and he would certainly play a key role for the Whites over the course of the campaign. However, a deal looks unlikely at this moment in time.
Newcastle Poised To Hijack Leeds Move
If you were reading the latest Leeds transfer rumours on Sunday, you’d have been under the impression that Bayern Munich midfielder Michal Cuisance was on the verge of a move to Elland Road.
Reports in France claimed that the Whites held advanced talks with the 21-year-old last week but the latest news suggests that Newcastle United are now competing for his signature.
Cuisance is highly regarded in Germany and Bayern would like to keep him but cannot make any assurances over guaranteed first team football. With that in mind, some of Europe’s top clubs are circling for the 21-year-old.
L’Equipe report that Bayern manager Hansi Flick will let Cuisance leave the club for around £18 million this summer despite impressing during their 8-0 victory over Schalke on the opening day of the season.
According to those reports, Newcastle and OGC Nice are just two of the clubs rivalling Leeds for Cuisance this summer. This could be one of the hottest Leeds United player rumours as October’s deadline edges closer.
A loan deal is another potential option, with Leeds likely to offer a better wage packet than Newcastle. Leeds fans will be keeping a close eye on the latest developments ahead of transfer deadline day.
Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*
