Newcastle United plot £24.5m Leeds United transfer hijack after reluctant agreement

Newcastle United have been credited with a ‘strong interest’ in a 21-year-old attacking midfielder targeted by Leeds United.

Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss is available this summer following The Foxes’ relegation to the Championship.

The 21-year-old joined Leicester from Genk last summer for a reported £21million. The Belgian-born Morocco international made 32 Premier League appearances last season, scoring twice as Leicester were relegated back to the Championship.

El Khannouss has been targeted by several Premier League clubs alerted to his availability and relatively low release clause reported to be £24.5million, which expires this week.

The Telegraph have reported that Newcastle are looking to strike a deal to sign El Khannouss from Leicester and hold a ‘strong interest’ in the player.

But Leeds United have also been credited with an interest with The Gazette’s sister-title, The Yorkshire Evening Post, reporting that the newly-promoted Premier League side had made an enquiry. Newcastle could hijack Leeds’ potential deal by triggering the youngster’s release clause at Leicester.

Newcastle are looking to bolster their midfield options this summer having sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds for £15million. The Magpies have also lost Joe Willock to injury and are yet to replace Elliot Anderson following his sale to Nottingham Forest last summer.

El Khannouss would tick a lot of boxes for Newcastle as a young player with Premier League experience available for a relatively low fee.

While Newcastle boast a strong midfield with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, the lack of depth in the position could be exposed with injuries or suspensions as Eddie Howe’s side prepares to compete in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions.