Leeds United expect slower summer window as ‘nonsense’ verdict delivered on Hidemasa Morita talk | OneFootball

Leeds United expect parts of their summer transfer business to be affected by the World Cup, and talk of an early deal has been dismissed.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds are not pursuing Japan international Hidemasa Morita despite claims elsewhere of advanced talks, and club sources have branded the links ‘nonsense’.

Morita is nearing the end of his Sporting contract and has made 163 appearances, including in the Champions League and Europa League. His age and profile do not match Leeds’ current brief, and he is not a player they have considered.

Recruitment staff are compiling shortlists and profiles, but suggestions that Leeds are close to completed deals should be treated cautiously. Three Premier League games remain and top-flight status is not yet mathematically secure.

The summer window opens in five weeks. There is an expectation that business across the market could run later than usual because of the World Cup, with many deals likely to be concluded after the tournament.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk