Leeds United have reportedly had a bid rejected for former Norwich City forward Milot Rashica.
According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the Whites offered €7 million (£6 million) to sign the 27-year-old, which was rejected.
Daniel Farke previously worked with the Kosovo international during their time together at Carrow Road, with the German in charge of the Norfolk outfit when Rashica was signed in the summer of 2021.
However, following Farke’s departure just a few months later, he struggled for form and was eventually sent out on loan to Galatasaray, where he won the Super Lig title.
This led to a permanent departure in the summer of 2023 to Besiktas, where he has become a key part of the side, contributing four goals and two assists from 19 league appearances so far this term.
Carlton Palmer on why Leeds targeted Rashica
Carlton Palmer is not surprised to see Leeds linked with a move for another winger given the speculation over the futures of Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto.
And, while he believes the pair are more likely to stay at Elland Road than leave, he has claimed it is smart of Farke to be eyeing potential replacements in case they are sold this summer.
“According to reports, Leeds United made an offer to try and sign ex-Norwich City winger Milot Rashica,” Palmer told Football League World.
“Rashica plies his trade at Besiktas, they were unsuccessful in their bid.
“I was not surprised to see Leeds United looking for another winger because there were reports that Summerville or Gnonto may have left the club in the January transfer window, so manager Farke was looking to bring somebody in as cover.
“That may still be the situation with Gnonto, with Summerville, in the summer.
“Although, if Leeds get promoted you would assume those two players would be happy to stay at the club.
“They are neck and neck with Southampton, there’s only two points between them with Southampton having a game in hand on Leeds.
“It is between Leeds and Southampton for that second automatic spot, assuming that Leicester City go on to win the title.
“So, therefore, again, Farke will have to reassess in the summer, what will happen with Summerville, what will happen with Gnonto, and see where it is.
“Farke is a smart manager, so he was looking at the situation and trying to cover all bases, and [he] identified a replacement in Milot Rashica if one of those players had left the club.”
Leeds United league position
| Championship Table (As it stands February 19th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Leicester City | 33 | 43 | 78 |
| 2 | Leeds United | 33 | 35 | 69 |
| 3 | Southampton | 32 | 25 | 67 |
| 4 | Ipswich Town | 32 | 20 | 66 |
| 5 | West Brom | 32 | 14 | 52 |
| 6 | Coventry City | 33 | 14 | 51 |
| 7 | Norwich City | 33 | 8 | 51 |
| 8 | Hull City | 32 | 6 | 51 |
Leeds are currently second in the Championship table, but sit just two points clear of Southampton ahead of their clash against Hull City on Tuesday evening.
Ipswich Town are a point further back ahead of their game against Rotherham United, with both clubs making up a fixture in hand this midweek.
Next up for the Yorkshire outfit is a big home game against promotion rivals and league leaders Leicester City on 23 February.
Leeds don’t need Rashica pursuit
Given the wealth of attacking talent already at Elland Road, a move for Rashica wouldn’t make much sense.
However, as Palmer points out, the departures of Summerville or Gnonto may prompt a re-think.
In that event, then Rashica could be a solid option if he doesn’t prove too expensive, especially given Farke will know him from their time at Norwich.
However, if the club can secure Premier League promotion, then Summerville and Gnonto are surely likely to stay at the club.
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