Leeds United were strongly linked with Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita several weeks ago, with reports suggesting the Japanese international had been a long-standing target for the Whites.
However, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth later revealed that Leeds were unaware of any negotiations or potential move for Morita, whose contract with the Portuguese club is set to expire this summer.
Smyth also suggested that Leeds are likely to delay major transfer business until after the World Cup. During the tournament, many clubs are reluctant to sell players, hoping strong performances on the international stage will drive up their market value. While that strategy can prove successful, it does not always pay off.
As a result, the transfer market is expected to gather momentum in July once the summer showpiece concludes.
Leeds United eye ambitious move for World Cup midfielder
Although any significant deals may not be finalised until later in the summer, recruitment plans are already taking shape behind the scenes.
After securing another season in the Premier League with a 14th-place finish, Leeds are now preparing for the next stage of their development. Daniel Farke has already publicly urged the club’s owners to provide strong backing in the transfer market.
According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are among several European clubs monitoring Charleroi midfielder Yacine Titraoui. The 22-year-old has earned a place in Algeria’s World Cup squad and is expected to attract attention during the tournament.
Titraoui enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring five goals in 37 appearances from midfield.
The Algerian appears to fit the profile of midfielder Leeds have targeted over the past year. Signings such as Anton Stach proved highly effective, while Sean Longstaff also played a key role throughout the season.
Leeds are not alone in their interest, however. Sunderland, Marseille and Hull City are all believed to be tracking the midfielder, who is reportedly valued at around £10 million by the Belgian side.
Leeds aiming higher after Premier League survival
This summer, Leeds will not approach the transfer window with the mindset of a newly promoted club.
The Whites exceeded expectations by finishing 14th in the Premier League and will now be determined to push further up the table. Achieving that goal will require significant investment, with several areas of the squad still in need of improvement.
Goalkeeper remains a potential concern, with the possibility that only one senior keeper could be under contract by the end of the summer. The squad is also lacking additional attacking quality, an area that may become a priority in the coming months.
Farke has made his expectations clear as discussions over his future continue. The responsibility now falls on the 49ers ownership group to demonstrate their ambition and provide supporters with confidence ahead of another challenging Premier League campaign.
