A Dutch journalist has become the latest to report of Leeds’ interest in FC Utrecht winger Gyrano Kerk. Kerk has been a daily feature in recent Leeds United transfer news.
De Telegraaf reporter Jeroen Kapteijns claims Leeds are in deep negotiations for Kerk. He also notes, however, that Utrecht’s position has been strengthened by the sale of Sean Klaiber to Ajax, a transfer that AD reported is almost done.
Klaiber will cost Ajax £4.5 million. That’s a sufficient fee for Utrecht to dig their heels in over the £9 million they want for Kerk. Kapteijns, tweeting from his personal account, gave this update.
“The bonus millions for Klaiber (around 5 million) offer FC Utrecht the space to stick to the asking price of 10 million euros in the negotiations about Gyrano Kerk. No fewer than four clubs compete for his hand: Leeds United, Cagliari, Hellas Verona and Fiorentina.”
Leeds clearly face considerable competition for the 24-year-old. With the end of the window nearing, Kerk appears to be their main priority in the forward positions.
Moves for Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson are unlikely to happen this window – Kerk is a much cheaper alternative than the pair, giving them flexibility to make other moves.
Cuisance Move Comes On The Back Of Injury Blow
Leeds’ move for Bayern midfielder Michael Cuisance is likely to go through in the next few days.
Marcelo Bielsa has been happy to operate with a small squad throughout his career, and the decision to push through a deal for Cuisance comes as a result of some disappointing injury news.
Adam Forshaw has been riddled with injuries over the last 12 months or so. He hasn’t taken the field since September 2019, and Bielsa doesn’t appear to be confident Forshaw will return in the near future.
His absence leaves them a bit light in midfield, which has resulted in the pursuit of Cuisance.
The young Frenchman is going to be a first-teamer on his arrival at Elland Road. He’s not coming in to be a depth option (as that’s part of the reason he wants to leave Bavaria), and it will be interesting to see which midfield role Bielsa prefers him in.
Medical On Wednesday
According to Telefoot journalist Julien Maynard, Cuisance will have his Leeds medical on Wednesday.
Maynard tweeted, “Michaël Cuisance is expected tomorrow in England to pass his medical examination and to engage with Leeds. The game project proposed by Marcelo Bielsa convinced the French community. Bayern Munich set to hit nearly 20m €”.
Cuisance could cap a wonderful summer of transfer business for Leeds. Much of it inspired by Bielsa, who has worked wonders in convincing players to join the club.
Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*
