Sources: Leeds accelerate Leicester City signing
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Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 29 August 2025 15:29, UK
Bilal El Khannouss will only be available for “top money” as Leeds United launch a late move to sign the Leicester City attacker, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Daniel Farke’s long-term interest in El Khannouss.
El Khannouss’ planned move to Crystal Palace collapsed on Tuesday after Leicester raised the Morocco international’s price tag to £35million, a valuation which Oliver Glasner’s side were unwilling to pay.
Leeds‘ move for James Justin helped Leicester to alleviate the PSR pressures which would have forced them to sell El Khannouss, but sources have told Football Insider that the Whites remain keen on him.
Leeds have been backed to beat Newcastle to El Khannous’ signature with the offer of a regular starting place, although Football Insider sources have stated that Leicester will stand firm on his huge price tag.
Credit: Imago
Football Insider revealed on 24 August that Farke wanted to sign four more players before the transfer deadline, with both a winger and number 10 on the German’s wishlist as well as two full-back options.
Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke was asked if Leeds will re-enter and win the race for El Khannouss after his collapsed move to Crystal Palace, with Leicester still determined to keep him.
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“It looked like he was heading for Selhurst Park, El Khannouss”, he told Football Insider.
“Talks were advanced between both clubs, but that deal has fallen through since.
“If Leeds are to try and get this deal done, it’s not going to be cheap – there’ll be a big transfer fee involved.
“Leicester are holding out for top money for El Khannouss – which they’re well entitled to – so that might be a problem for Leeds, to try and get to the figure that Leicester want.
“There’ll be other clubs looking at El Khannouss as well between now and the end of the window.”
Credit: Imago
Justin’s arrival at Elland Road for £8million on 25 August may have ticked off one of Farke‘s four-man transfer wishlist, but it’s also indirectly raised El Khannouss’ price tag to a somewhat unrealistic level.
Leeds shelling out £35m to sign El Khannouss would be by far their most expensive signing this summer, and an ambitious one after his mere two goals and three assists prior to Leicester’s relegation last term.
Long-term midfield target Gustavo Hamer could be available on a loan-to-buy deal late in the transfer window, and if Leeds want a difference-maker to keep them up, they may go down this route instead of a record-breaking move for El Khannouss.