Leeds in stunning swoop for electric Man Utd star, with ideal Gnonto replacement found amid double exit

Leeds United are plotting a shock move for a Manchester United attacker as they aim to prepare for the potential departures of Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison, according to an eye-catching report.

Leeds pulled off a transfer coup when they signed exciting winger Gnonto from FC Zurich last summer. The 19-year-old, who only cost Leeds a reported £3.8million, went on to have a great debut campaign at Elland Road.

While Gnonto did not start every game, he was often one of Leeds’ main sources of creativity when he was on the pitch. He chipped in with four goals and four assists during 28 appearances in all competitions.

Harrison is another player who emerged from the 2022-23 season with some credit, despite Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League.

Like Gnonto, the Whites would often have to rely on Harrison to try and create something in the final third or to get the fans excited with a brilliant piece of play.

The English winger ended the campaign with six goals and 10 assists to his name from 40 outings.

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Unfortunately for Leeds, both Gnonto and Harrison have proven themselves to be too good for the Championship and this could see them move on this summer. Everton recently became the latest club to set their sights on Gnonto, while Harrison is on Aston Villa’s wish list.

An update from the Daily Mirror reiterates the fact both Gnonto and Harrison are likely to depart Leeds ahead of next term. The report then reveals which player Leeds are hoping to replace Gnonto with, while the hunt to identify Harrison’s successor is still ongoing.

Leeds want Man Utd forward

It is claimed that Leeds are hoping to complete a surprise loan move for Man Utd wide man Amad Diallo.

Leeds recruitment chiefs have been hugely impressed by Amad’s temporary spell at Sunderland, during which he notched 14 goals and four assists in 42 games.

Those goal contributions helped Sunderland reach the Championship play-offs, though they were knocked out in the semi-final by eventual winners Luton Town.

Leeds believe Amad has the pace, dribbling ability and keen eye for goal to continue where Gnonto left off in West Yorkshire.

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is hoping to include the 20-year-old on the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of the USA, so he can take a closer look at his ability.

Although, it is likely Ten Hag will sanction another loan move for Amad. If he returns to Old Trafford he will play less often due to competition for places from the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri.

Amad has told Man Utd that if he is shipped out on loan again he would like to return to the Stadium of Light to help Sunderland gain promotion to the Premier League. Man Utd, though, ideally want their player to step up next season by joining a Premier League team.

These factors mean Leeds will have to work hard to get the Ivorian through the door, as they will need to convince both the player and Man Utd that they are the right next club for him.

Meanwhile, Leeds are in ‘advanced talks’ with Italian outfit Roma over the exit of a Jesse Marsch signing, according to one journalist.