Leeds United are in the market for Premier League experience and have now been offered the chance to sign an established star who wants to return to England, according to a report.
Leeds United take strict stance on transfers
Despite the urge to get quality through the door at Elland Road, Daniel Farke won’t be bullied into carrying out drastic measures to improve the chances of his side surviving in the top-flight this term.
Providing a case study, Alex Crook has confirmed Leeds United have dropped their pursuit of Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to the England international’s exorbitant £150,000 per week wage demands.
He stated on talkSPORT’s Youtube channel: “I was told that Calvert-Lewin is looking for 150k a week. Which is why he held talks with Leeds and they backed off.”
Moving on to other matters, Leeds have made contact with Benfica over midfielder Florentino Luis and the Primeira Liga giants may be willing to offload the 25-year-old after Ricardo Rios joined from Palmeiras.
Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara has emerged as a Whites’ alternative to Igor Paixao after Farke’s men lost out on the Feyenoord man to Marseille, illustrating their willingness to move swiftly in the market when things take a turn in the wrong direction.
Leeds now in talks over deal for "elite" £30m striker with 21 G/A last season
The Whites have lodged an enquiry over a centre-forward, who is also being targeted by West Ham United.
ByDominic LundJul 30, 2025
Through the middle, Roma striker Artem Dovbyk could be a high-profile Leeds addition, offering a major upgrade on the likes of Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph amid the duo being set to leave the Yorkshire giants.
Introducing top-flight experience will also be key to staying up, and Farke has now been offered the chance to bring in a Premier League veteran who wants a return to familiar surroundings.
Leeds "offered" chance to sign Lyon's Ainsley Maitland-Niles
According to Graeme Bailey in conversation with Leeds United News, Leeds have been offered the chance to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon as they search for full-back options.
He stated: “Leeds are one of the clubs who have been offered Ainsley Maitland-Niles. I’m told lots of Premier League clubs have been offered him. He’s the sort of player Leeds need in terms of both full-back positions.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the Premier League
Appearances
109
Goals
1
Assists
5
“Leeds are one of the teams who have been offered him. He’s available, intermediaries doing the work, he’s been pushed to a few clubs. What I can say, is he does want to come back to England.”
With the former Arsenal man keen on a move back to the Premier League, Leeds fans will be encouraged to note that he registered one goal and seven assists in 44 appearances last season.
Versatile by nature, the 27-year-old can feature in either full-back slot or in midfield, while he would also carry the carrot of being a homegrown star in line with squad regulations.
The London-born man has two years left on his deal at Lyon, opening up the prospect of a financially favourable deal in light of the French giants’ recent financial problems.