Leeds United are hoping to end the transfer window with a quality Premier League defensive addition, but their next order of business is the sale of defender Leo Hjelde, who has undergone a medical at Championship rivals Sunderland.The Whites are in contention after closing the gap on leaders Leicester to nine points, while they are now just two points behind second-placed Ipswich despite having played more games. However, a strong second half of the season boosts Leeds’ hopes of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.With the transfer window just days away, Leeds still have some time to finalize Daniel Farke’s squad, although the Whites boss was keen to insist they are not bringing in players just for the sake of it. only does so if the targets can add something to their current options..
However, the facts are that Leeds are defensive. Having allowed Luke Ayling to join Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season and sending Djed Spence back to Tottenham before joining Genoa, Farke has very few quality options on the right or left.They also lack depth in central defence, with Pascal Struijk struggling to recover from a troublesome adductor injury which has sidelined the skipper since the Boxing Day defeat at Preston..
And while defensive midfielder Ethan Ampadu has flourished since returning to play alongside Joe Rodon in the heart of defence, it is clear that Leeds would benefit from a second chance.READ MORE: Leeds continue talks to replace full Ayling; Luton may make late takeover bidLeeds agree to sell Leo Hjelde to Sunderland.Leeds are still looking to cut back before they spring another defensive option, Hjelde,
who is now closing in on a move to Sunderland.The Norwegian star joined the Whites from Celtic in 2021 but has struggled to get first-team opportunities.Hjelde, who worked as a central midfielder, can also work on the left, and in this position he started this season in the Leeds line-up.Hjelde, on the other hand, started at half-time in Cardiff’s opener but has featured in just two games since then – both in the Carabao Cup, with the last win coming on penalties against Salford in the second round. August.Now Leeds have agreed to sell the 20-year-old to their Championship rivals,
with Sunderland paying the Whites a fee of around £1m-£1.5m for the Norway U21 international.Celtic also have a 15% fee as part of the deal that brought Hjelde to Elland Road almost three years ago.The player will now travel to Wearside on Monday and undergo a medical ahead of his move ahead of what is likely to be a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light.Black Cats boss Michael Beale recently looked to sign Hjeld for the club in defense after seeing both Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins injured recently.Leeds sign Ben GodfreyWith Hjelde’s departure expected to become official on Monday, Leeds have reportedly approached Everton for Ben Godfrey, who has fallen down the pecking order at Goodison Park under Sean. Dyche.
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