The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 29th August) - AO, Let's Go
Good Morning. It's Thursday 29th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
AO, Let's Go
Ao Tanaka will undergo a medical at Thorp Arch later today, ahead of his proposed £2.6m move from Bundesliga 2 outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf.
The Japan international midfielder has entered the final twelve months of the contract, and is keen for a move to England. He has 27 International caps, and has netted eight times. The same plane carrying Tanaka was yesterday at Cologne, which will only fuel speculation surrounding Dejan Ljubicic.
Tanaka has been loosely compared to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham. A box-to-box midfielder who will stifle any attacks, clean up loose possession and pop up in the penalty area when needed. He's comfortable on the ball, and will run at defenders defences, and is seen as a leader on the pitch. His imminent arrival pushes Charlie Crew further down the pecking order. Surely it's time to send him out on loan?
He may not be the big name signing many were hoping for, but according to J-Soccer Magazine, his price tag could soar in the next couple of years if he continues to impress. Speaking exclusively to the Breakfast Debate:-
"Potential to be a Premier League star or a player who makes the team a lot of money in re-sale value in a year or three! Classy midfielder."
£15m Hamer deal on cards
Unconfirmed reports suggest Leeds could land Gus Hamer before Friday's deadline in a £15m deal plus add-ons.
After rejecting a £13m bid earlier in the week, the Blades placed an £18m price tag around the neck of their midfield talisman, a decision which infuriated gaffer Chris Wilder. There's no love lost between either club; selling their star player would be bad enough, but losing him to a bitter rival/promotion competitor would surely create acrimony and anger around South Yorkshire!
Even at £18m, it is well within Leeds budget, and according to various news outlets, Hamer is keen on the move. The lights were on til late at Elland Road last night, suggesting more signings are on their way, but time is running out. If Sheffield Utd lose Hamer, they'll want a replacement, and have been linked strongly with Phillip Billing who has fallen out of favour at Bournemouth, but new reports this morning suggest he is unwilling to drop to the Championship!
Gladback readying bid for Wober
Borussia Mönchengladbach are expected to make a late bid for Leeds exile Max Wober before tomorrow's deadline.
The Bundesliga have agreed to sell midfielder Man Kone. Both Roma and Milan are fighting over his €15m signature, which if completed in time would allow them to take Wober on a permanent deal.
Several sources state that Leeds are looking for offers north of £15m.
In reality, Leeds see the Austrian International as a disruptive influence, and will be keen to see the back of him. Gladbach have exhausted pleas of taking Wober on loan, and are expected to make a firm offer within the next 24 hours.