Leeds United hand strengthened in Joe Rodon pursuit as treble transfer boost handed to Whites

Leeds United have been handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon after a number of key developments this week. Tottenham Hotspur activated an extra year in Rodon's contract following his return to the club after a hugely successful season on loan with Leeds in the Championship.

Anticipating the interest in Rodon after an impressive season and eager to see some return on the £11m they paid Swansea City for the Welsh international, Tottenham activated the extra year with full intention of selling the player. It's understood Spurs are looking for a fee in the region of £10 for Rodon, with a number of clubs having been linked including new Premier League sides Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.

Given Rodon's desire to return to the Premier League, that increased transfer competition appeared to leave Leeds trailing some way behind in the chase for his signature, not to mention the sizeable fee required for a club that has to contend with a Profit and Sustainability Rules issue which leaves them treading a fine line at present.

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However, the landscape has shifted in Leeds' favour this week. Ipswich Town are understood to have turned their attentions away from Rodon as they prioritise trying to do a deal for Hull City's rising star Jacob Greaves. A player tipped as a future England centre-back, Greaves appears destined for the Premier League with Ipswich hoping to provide him with that opportunity.

That would reduce the field for Rodon but more importantly for Leeds is their improving financial position with regards to PSR and money that can be spent this summer. Marc Roca is set to seal permanent transfer from Leeds to Real Betis in the coming days after successful year on loan in La Liga, while will represent a return for Leeds both in a transfer fee and releasing his expensive wages.

As reported yesterday, Jack Harrison's loan clause means he is also set to depart once again and make a return to Everton who will pick up his full salary, further improving Leeds' position. Brighton continue to pursue Crysencio Summerville, but while the Dutchman's future may be some way from being resolved, Leeds are already clearing some of the decks and look in a far stronger position with more clarity on what the remaining squad will look like and what money will be available for investment, which surely strengthens their hand for Rodon, especially at a fee that is within their reach.