The latest news from across the Championship.Leeds United are reportedly set to lose out to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town in the race for one of their key summer transfer targets.
The Whites are heading into the summer looking to move on from the disappointment of missing out on an immediate return to the top flight after an Adam Armstrong goal condemned Daniel Farke’s side to a 1-0 defeat in last season’s Championship play-off final. Leeds will remain one of the favourites for promotion when the new campaign gets underway in August but that tag could prove misguided if clubs follow up their interest in the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Wilfried Gnonto.
As well as attempting to hold on to their key players, Leeds are said to be keen to complete a move for West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who is set to become a free agent next week after failing to agree a new contract with the Hammers. The versatile full-back came through the famed academy system at West Ham and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club, as well as earning ten caps with England Under-21s.
However, with his Hammers exit now all but sealed, Johnson is reportedly set to snub reported interest Leeds and Rangers after talks with Ipswich were said to be at an advanced stage. The news will come as a further blow for Leeds, who are also set to miss out on Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist after he edged closer to a season-long loan deal with Serie A newcomers Como. The Blues academy graduate also had interest from the likes of Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers in recent weeks but is now set to make the move to Italy over the coming weeks.
