Leeds United and Leicester City Face Setback in Chase for Tottenham Midfielder

Leeds United and Leicester City might face a setback in their transfer pursuits. Both clubs have been keeping an eye on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp, who had a limited role in Ange Postecoglou’s squad last season.

However, Sky Sports reports that a transfer for Skipp seems unlikely due to his importance in fulfilling the ‘homegrown’ player requirement. As a product of Spurs’ academy, Skipp is crucial for Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League squad, where teams must include at least four homegrown players.

Leeds United is expected to seek new midfield options following Glen Kamara’s recent move to Ligue 1 side Rennes. Kamara was a significant player for Leeds last season, making 42 appearances during their promotion campaign.

Skipp has a history with Leeds manager Daniel Farke from Farke’s time at Norwich City. During that period, Skipp played 45 out of 46 league games, helping Norwich secure the Championship title. Farke’s admiration for Skipp is well-documented. In a 2021 interview with PinkUn, Farke praised Skipp, saying, “He was one of my biggest wishes to bring in last summer, so compliments to Stuart Webber for making it happen. I can only praise Olly and Tottenham. This was perfect business. We saw the potential, looked into his character, and knew he would give everything. Oliver is a perfect lad. So humble.”

Last season, Skipp struggled to secure a regular starting position, making just 21 Premier League appearances without scoring or assisting. He is expected to feature in the UEFA Europa League group stage, as well as in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but is behind Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the midfield hierarchy.

Skipp played 45 minutes in Tottenham’s 5-1 victory over Scottish side Hearts in a recent friendly, while former Leeds star Archie Gray stood out in the match.