Leeds United mainstay now ‘close’ to becoming first player to leave Elland Road this summer

With Leeds United expected to be busy in the summer transfer market and bring in an influx of new additions, there will have to be some departures too to make room.

The 49ers are said to have conjured up a transfer kitty north of £100m to give Daniel Farke all the tools he needs to keep Leeds in the Premier League. Priorities include a new goalkeeper, a no.10 and a striker.

But with Leeds expected to make signings in most of the starting XI positions, there will have to be some that depart in order for the club to avoid breaking any Profit & Sustainability Rules in the coming months.

Illan Meslier is expected to depart while Patrick Bamford’s future remains unclear. Graham Smyth has said he expects Bamford to leave, though Bamford’s comments this weekend suggest he will remain at Leeds.

Junior Firpo is now ‘close’ to leaving Leeds in emotional move

The left-back has not hidden his love of Leeds supporters following the club’s parade on Monday, with Firpo seen partying until the early hours of Tuesday morning alongside Jayden Bogle and other players.

But Firpo’s contract is set to expire. Largie Ramazani is desperate for Firpo to sign a new contract while Firpo himself, during Monday night’s partying, urged Paraag Marathe to send him through some terms.

However, TeamTalk now say that Firpo is ‘close’ to leaving Leeds and in-form La Liga side Real Betis are set to complete the signing of the left-back on a free – a move that sees Firpo return to his old club.

A move that also sees Firpo reunite with Marc Roca and Diego Llorente, who both left Leeds last summer permanently for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final.