After Jesurun Rak-Sakyi agreed to join Sheffield United on loan, Leeds United have also secured terms to sign the 21-year-old winger.
Despite Sheffield United being the front-runners, reports suggest that Rak-Sakyi has not yet made a final decision on his future.
Leeds’ interest in Rak-Sakyi intensified following the departure of Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United.
Summerville, who was last season’s Championship Player of the Season, played a pivotal role for Leeds, contributing to 31 goals with 21 goals and 10 assists.
His departure leaves a significant gap in the squad that Leeds are eager to fill as they push for promotion this season.
Last season, Leeds United fell short of direct promotion, finishing third in the Championship. They participated in the promotion playoffs, only to be defeated 1-0 by Southampton in the final, missing out on a return to the Premier League. This failure led to an exodus of players, either on loan or through permanent transfers.
One of the players who left was Summerville, whose departure has prompted Leeds manager Daniel Farke to seek a suitable replacement.
Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe has been a target, with Leeds making a £7 million bid, but Norwich rejected the offer, deeming it too low.
In response, Leeds moved quickly to agree to terms with Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Sheffield United remains the preferred destination, followed by Leeds United and Hull City.
According to Sky Sports, all three clubs have agreed to a deal that includes a seven-figure loan fee, full salary coverage, and a recall clause in January.
Leeds have acted swiftly to secure Rak-Sakyi as a backup plan if the Jonathan Rowe deal falls through.
While Sheffield United is still leading the race, Rak-Sakyi has yet to make his decision. Reports suggest he might decide today, as he hopes to feature in the first match of the season.
With less than 24 hours remaining before Leeds’ season opener against Portsmouth, time is of the essence.
If Rak-Sakyi chooses to spend the season at Elland Road, Leeds will need to complete his registration swiftly to include him in the squad for the match.
It remains to be seen whether Rak-Sakyi will be in the starting lineup against Portsmouth, should he opt for Leeds.
