Leeds, Tottenham told to cough up €30m plus for Euro 2020 sensation
Leeds United and Tottenham have reportedly been told that a Euro 2020 sensation will cost them €30million (£25.6m), if they look to strike a deal this summer.
The Premier League duo have both been linked with a swoop for Sampdoria attacking midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard. But of the two, Marcelo Bielsa’s men are said to have shown more of a genuine interest in landing the 21-year-old Denmark star.
The Leeds boss wants to add more attacking talent to his side, with Il Bianconero confirming a deal could be on the cards.
However, the report adds that Sampdoria want more than €30m to sanction any sale. Il Bianconero also claims that they are highly unlikely to lower that valuation.
Damsgaard enjoyed an outstanding Euro 2020 as the Danes reached the semi-finals. Indeed, he scored a stunning free-kick in the defeat to the Three Lions at Wembley.
The Serie A star is described as having the sort of game that would thrive in England, with Leeds a perfect destination.
The report adds that Bielsa has a strong track record for improving young talent and that Damsgaard could thrive under the Argentine.
As for Tottenham’s interest, that may now be on the wane after they landed winger Bryan Gil from Sevilla.
Sporting director Fabio Paratici was earmarking Damsgaard as a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen.
However, Paratici and Spurs’ main focus is on signing at least one, maybe two, new centre-backs. To that end, the door is open for Leeds to swoop, but only if they are prepared to offer the hefty asking price.
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Cooper talks up incredible Leeds teammate
Meanwhile, Leeds captain Liam Cooper reckons one of his teammate’s future has changed forever and the star deserves to be looked upon as one of the “world’s best”.
Cooper and Leeds enjoyed an excellent first season back in the Premier League last time around as they finished ninth. Marcelo Bielsa’s side impressed plenty with their free-flowing style of football and got better and better as the season progressed. Indeed, they finished the campaign on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run.
Attention has now turned to the summer transfer market to see how Leeds can further strengthen their hand. They have already brought in Junior Firpo from Barcelona to play left-back.
A new goalkeeper should arrive in the coming days too as a replacement for the departed Kiko Casilla.
However, Bielsa still wants a new central midfielder to cover and compliment Kalvin Phillips.
The need to bolster their midfield is an obvious one. Stuart Dallas has impressed in that role and swept the board at their player of the season awards. However, Leeds have looked light in that area whenever talisman Phillips has been absent.
Bielsa’s side picked up just six points up from a possible 27 in his absence in 2020/21.
Leeds therefore have been looking for a player who not just covers for Phillips, but also someone who compliments him. As such, a number of players, including Nahitan Nandez, have been linked.
Sweden star Jens Cajuste is another player to have been linked.
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Kalvin Phillips is world class
As for Phillips, Cooper knows how much he means to Leeds United. He also reckons he showed on the world stage at Euro 2020 just how good a player he is.
Indeed, speaking to Sky Sports News, Cooper reckons Phillips must now be considered among the world’s best midfielders.
“He announced himself in that first game against Croatia (at Euro 2020) and I’ve told him that his life has changed forever now,” Cooper told Sky Sports News.
“He knows that though, he’s not a stupid lad and lives his life the right way anyway.
“I’ve seen his journey from a young lad to where he is now. It’s been a pleasure to see – and he belongs there.
“He works so hard here (at Leeds), all the boys and the people of Leeds think the world of him and he deserves everything that comes his ways.
“I’ve seen how hard he works every single day, I see how much he takes on and turns it into his game.
“For me, he is one of the best midfielders in the world right now.”
READ MORE: Club chief talks up transfer coup, as Championship side land Leeds man
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