Leeds United are reportedly planning a late move for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Ilias Chair as they seek to replace Georginio Rutter, according to Football Insider.
Chair had a standout season last year, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
His impressive form has drawn attention from Elland Road, where Leeds are keen to strengthen their squad following the departure of several key players.
Manager Daniel Farke has pinpointed the 26-year-old as a top target.
With Chair entering the final year of his contract at Loftus Road, Leeds may be able to acquire him at a reduced price.
Chair, a Morocco international, might be interested in making the move.
Farke’s Pursuit of Chair
Chair, who began his career at Lierse’s academy, joined QPR in 2017 after a successful trial.
He soon established himself as a pivotal player for the Championship side, making 236 appearances over seven seasons.
Described as ‘terrific’ by QPR manager Marti Cifuentes in December, Chair could now be on the verge of a move to a team vying for promotion to the Premier League.
Football Insider reports that Leeds are determined to secure Chair’s services, with Farke seeing him as the ideal replacement for Rutter.
Leeds recently secured their first win of the season against Sheffield Wednesday, but they are currently lacking attacking options following the exits of Rutter and Crysencio Summerville.
Rutter was sold to Brighton for £40 million, while Summerville joined West Ham for £25 million.
Although Farke still has Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, and Daniel James available, he is in search of additional attacking firepower.
The prospect of a last-minute deal for Chair is being considered, with Leeds sensing an opportunity in the market.
Chair, who was also on loan at Stevenage, is in the final year of his contract and has yet to sign an extension.
QPR may be motivated to sell him rather than risk losing him for free next year.
Consequently, the London club might be willing to negotiate a deal at a reasonable price.
Aarons as a Potential Target
In addition to losing Rutter and Summerville, Leeds also saw teenager Archie Gray depart for Tottenham in a £30 million deal earlier this summer.
Jayden Bogle arrived from Sheffield United to cover Gray’s departure, but Farke is reportedly looking for another right-back option.
Leeds are preparing an offer for Bournemouth defender Max Aarons, who may be surplus to requirements at the south coast club.
Cherries manager Andoni Iraola chose to use Adam Smith ahead of Aarons in a recent match against Nottingham Forest, suggesting Aarons may no longer be in Iraola’s plans.
Leeds could seize this opportunity to secure Aarons, a player they have long admired.
