Former Newcastle United target set for summer transfer after Leeds United offer

Newcastle were understood to be interested in the right-back during the January 2023 transfer window but they opted to sign Harrison Ashby from West Ham United instead. Since then, Drameh has left Leeds for two separate Championship loan spells at Luton Town and Birmingham City respectively.

The 22-year-old made 28 appearances for Birmingham last season as the club were relegated from the second tier. Despite making just two league starts for Leeds since joining from Fulham for £1.5million in 2020, Drameh has been offered a new contract at Elland Road.

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But Leeds’ motivations behind offering Drameh a new deal are not to secure the full-back’s future but instead to ensure they are entitled to compensation should he join a new club as expected this summer. Clubs are entitled to compensation for any out-of-contract player below the age of 24 provided a new contract has been offered.

Drameh is expected to reject the new deal, allowing Leeds to request a compensation fee for whichever club the player joins this summer. In most cases, clubs are able to settle on a figure with a tribunal required if a compensation deal cannot be agreed.

Birmingham’s relegation to League One will make signing Drameh difficult this summer with another Championship move looking likely.