As their Championship promotion competitors strengthen with a few high-profile arrivals, the ever-expecting Leeds United fanbase becomes increasingly frustrated.
While Leeds are yet to make a move this month, Sunderland signed Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma.
While some may consider Le Fee to be the most high-profile Championship signing of the modern era – Wolves only recently signed Porto captain Ruben Neves, after all – the Black Cats newcomer arrives after establishing himself as one of France’s top players and a £20 million move to the Italian giants.
Sheffield United overtook Leeds United for first place with a 2-1 victory over Swansea City on Tuesday night. The Blades have already signed Ben Brereton Diaz on loan from Southampton and are closing in on Tom Cannon, another proven Championship goalscorer.
So, is Leeds at risk of being left behind? Will the Elland Road faithful look back in May and consider the mid-season window as a missed opportunity?
Atlanta United closes in on Leeds United-linked Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Of course, with more than a week left, the Yorkshire giants still have time on their side. Emi Buendía’s possible signing may still blow Sunderland and Sheffield United away in terms of ambition and raw quality.
According to football writer Graeme Bailey of Leeds United News, Buendia may still reconnect with Daniel Farke at Leeds. Aston Villa would prefer to move him to Elland Road over Valencia, albeit with an obligation to buy provision in any loan agreement.
Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi has taken a step closer to leaving the Bundesliga club. Leeds are still in a strong position to sign Andrew Omobamidele from Nottingham Forest.
However, behind the scenes at Leeds United, Emmanuel Latte Lath believes that this ship has already departed the harbour.
“Latte Lath is the top choice for Atlanta,” reporter Ben Jacobs says, placing Middlesbrough’s number nine ahead of Crystal Palace misfit Odsonne Edouard on the ambitious MLS club’s priority list.
“The Latte Lath scenario is that, in the last week or so, Atlanta United has had extremely constructive discussions with Middlesbrough. There are little doubts that they will be unable to reach a full verbal agreement. They are almost there.
“It’s more the realization, from Atalanta’s standpoint, that he is an in-demand talent, and it seems increasingly possible that another suitor will enter the race in the final days of the window.
“My understanding of the situation is that Atlanta has pushed the negotiations as far as they can. They have their ducks in a row. It’s just that if you’re Middlesbrough, you’re hoping for a bidding battle or a surprise.”
Leeds insiders are worried as Premier League interest develops.
Of course, a bidding battle may still break out. However, it will not involve Leeds.
According to Jacobs, after speaking with insiders in West Yorkshire, Leeds believe Latte Lath has gone out of reach, with deep-pocketed Atlanta likely to compete with Premier League opponents for the well-travelled centre-forward.
“I don’t think it’s a case of Atlanta United up against Leeds, because Leeds sources that I speak to deny that they have placed a bid,” Jacobs shares. “They have expressed real interest, but no official offer has been made.
“Interestingly, according to sources I speak with at Leeds, he will either go to Atlanta or a Premier League club.
“Leicester City needs goals, and Everton is hunting for a striker. West Ham and Bournemouth will be looking for openings, but those two are more focused on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.”
According to sources, Atlanta United is poised to pay approximately £20 million for Emmanuel Latte Lath. A cost that is likely have been beyond Leeds without the riches of Premier League football.
