According to Graham Smyth, Sheffield United could make it tough for Leeds United to sign Jayden Bogle this summer.
On the Inside Elland Road podcast (18 July), Smyth stated that the takeover scenario at Bramall Lane is making things difficult based on what he has heard.
The Whites have already had two bids rejected for Bogle, who is valued at £7 million by the Blades and is currently in new ownership talks with a US syndicate [The Star, 12 July].
Smyth said: “I’m wondering if Sheffield United’s condition is making it more difficult to buy their players.
“It is a poor look for them to agree to a deal that a direct competitor believes will help their promotion bid.
“But if [Bogle] is unwilling to sign a new contract and Leeds has the best offer on the table, they might just decide to accept it.”
“The takeover is still very much in the works. I’ve heard on multiple occasions that it’s slowed their business this summer.
Leeds United must press the button on Jayden Bogle move.
This summer’s transfer window has been rather quiet at Elland Road, with only Alex Cairns and Joe Rodon moving in permanently.
Joe Rothwell has joined on loan, but otherwise, it’s been a summer of headline departures, the most notable of which being Archie Gray’s £40 million move to Tottenham [Graham Smyth, July 1].
Rothwell’s arrival will assist to compensate for the losses of Gray and Glen Kamara in midfield, but the full-back positions are in serious need of improvement, with Bogle high on the list.
Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are the only full-backs on the roster who played last season, and it appears that Bogle will be first-choice on the right almost immediately.
As a result, despite their unwillingness to pay Sheffield United £7 million for the 23-year-old, the Peacocks must find an agreement quickly if they are to avoid being short on defence when the new season begins [Daily Mirror, 17 July].
