OPINION
After a summer of unwanted tranquillity, Leeds have seemingly exploded into life in the summer transfer window.
Earlier today it was reported by the Daily Mail that Leeds had agreed a fee and personal terms for Wolves left-back Barry Douglas.
Now, a striker merry-go-round has left it looking like top striker target Matej Vydra could be heading to Leeds after all, with personal terms being discussed again.
Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett dropped a big hint on his personal Twitter page today, stating that Derby were likely to complete a deal for Martyn Waghorn “once Vydra left for #LUFC”.
Update on Waghorn: #dcfc likely to complete deal once Vijdra has left for #lufc. Derby have to be careful of FFP. Initial fee will be £4m, with up to £4m of add ons if Derby get to Prem Lg.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) July 25, 2018
That deal had looked like it would break down over Vydra’s wage demands, but Dorsett makes it sound as if the deal is back on – and could be edging much closer.
Derby have been busy, also reportedly agreeing a deal for Peterborough striker Jack Marriott.
#dcfc have agreed a fee that could rise to £5m for Peterborough striker Jack Marriott.
I understand Derby will make an initial payment of £3m, with significant add ons depending on performances.
Marriott will undergo a medical later today, and the deal could be completed tomorrow— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) July 25, 2018
Irrespective of whether they can afford to keep hold of Vydra (and given their expenditure this summer, it is surely obvious they can’t), they won’t need him and he will almost certainly be on the move before August 9.
That opens the door for Leeds and fans would be ecstatic if they landed Douglas and Vydra, after fearing they weren’t actually going to spend money on anyone this summer.
How things can change. Of course there’s still the matter of Vydra’s wages but Dorsett seems to imply this isn’t going to be an issue.
And a report on Sky Sports (Live transfer blog, 15.33) says that personal terms are still being discussed between Vydra and Leeds.
If he’s been willing to compromise – and that’s the only way the Leeds deal will happen – it will be full steam ahead, and Leeds will be celebrating the capture of a player who scored 21 goals in 40 Championship games last season.
That’s exactly what they need to build a successful bid for the play-offs.