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Leeds United are reported to be leading the chase to sign Harrison Reed, with the Fulham midfielder having caught Marcelo Bielsa’s eye.

Reed was one of the Cottagers most consistent performers last season, making 33 appearances in all competitions. An industrious player, the 26-year-old is known for his all-action displays and hard-working nature.

However, with Scott Parker’s side suffering relegation from the Premier League, they are battling to retain a number of their top stars.

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds lead the chase for Reed, with a number of other, unnamed Premier League sides, also keen.

Bielsa is well aware of his talents having been linked with the former Southampton man previously. And has done little to change that judgement after some solid displays in their engine room.

While no fee is mentioned, it’s believed a fee of around £12m – £15m would convince Fulham to sell.

Reed is believed to be keen on a move away from Craven Cottage and a switch to Elland Road could fit the bill.

Leeds are looking for more midfield cover this summer. Despite their impressive ninth-placed finish, United often looked short of options whenever Kalvin Phillips was unavailable.

But the prospective signing of Reed would swell Bielsa’s options there. He’d then go into a central midfield pool featuring Phillips, (the converted) Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich.

Leeds have also been linked with Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, who could fetch a club-record fee.

Leeds change mind over Batshuayi

Leeds, meanwhile, are reported to have cooled their interest in Chelsea’s unwanted striker Michy Batshuayi.

The 27-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge to much fanfare in the summer of 2016. The Belgium international had just bagged 23 goals in all competitions for Marseille. Then Blues boss Antonio Conte took a punt, with the west Londoners forking out around £33m for his signature.

However, Batshuayi has never setttled in west London and has been sent out on a number of loans.

Having worked with Bielsa at Marseille, Leeds were recently linked with a summer approach for the striker.

However, the Champions League winners are reported to have quoted Leeds a £15m fee if they want to land the Belgian.

As per Goal, Leeds feel the fee is too high for a man who has scored just three Premier League goals over the last two seasons.

Chelsea are looking to recoup as much of their £33m outlay as possible and want the striker off their books.

READ MORE: Leeds near new goalkeeper signing for star billed as future England No 1

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