Brighton hold talks over shock Leeds United swoop as Wolves have 'real' interest in Premier League winner

Leeds United’s failure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League put them at risk of losing several key players during the summer transfer window.

A goal from former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong ensured Southampton secure a narrow win in last season’s Championship play-off final condemned Daniel Farke’s side to a second successive season in the second tier of English football. The financial impact of that Wembley loss hit home at Elland Road when highly-rated academy graduate Archie Gray was sold to Tottenham Hotspur in a reported £35m deal on Tuesday. In an emotional statement, the Whites revealed their ‘heartbreak’ over the sale of the youngster - but stressed the move will allow them to compete for promotion once again during the coming season.

It read: “Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations. Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism. He leaves with the very best wishes for his future career and in the knowledge that Leeds will always be his home.”

Despite the sale of Gray, several other current members of the Leeds squad have been linked with moves away from Elland Road - and Brighton and Hove Albion are believed to be considering a move for three Whites stars. Fresh from completing a £33m deal for Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh, a report from TBR Football has revealed the Seagulls have now held talks over possible moves for a number of Leeds players.

The report suggests the two club have been in discussions over Finland international midfielder Glen Kamara and forward trio Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto. However, the same report also states the only offer that has been made so far was a £30m bid for Rutter, which was immediately rejected by the Elland Road club.

Wolves hold ‘real’ interest in Premier League winner

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen to bring former Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel back to the Premier League.

The Denmark international is currently a free agent after leaving Belgian club Anderlecht when his contract came to an end last month. The 37-year-old is now said to be considering a return to the Premier League almost eight years after helping Leicester to a shock title win and Danish outlet Bold DK have claimed the veteran stopper has become a big target for Wolves.

After a solid first season under Gary O’Neil, the Molineux club have already completed permanent deals for Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle and full-back duo Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes, as well as securing the loan signing of Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. A goalkeeper is said to be on their agenda for the remainder of the transfer window and Schmeichel is believed to be a main target for O’Neil.