Leeds United join AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in race to sign Middlesbrough star | OneFootball

The Whites have Finn Azaz on their summer shortlist ahead of their Premier League return.

Leeds United have joined Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in the race for Middlesbrough playmaker Finn Azaz ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Whites are making early preparations for their return to the Premier League after winning the Championship title this season.

The Yorkshire outfit topped the table in dramatic fashion on the final day against relegated Plymouth Argyle, with Manor Solomon’s strike causing pandemonium in the away end at Home Park.

From lifting the second tier crown, Leeds are believed to have a transfer kitty of around £100 million to spend following promotion, and are determined to use it wisely to be competitive and avoid immediate relegation back to the second tier.

Daniel Farke’s men are eyeing up a creative playmaker to help the goals flow at Elland Road to keep them in the top-flight at the first attempt, with Boro’s Finn Azaz high on the summer shortlist as Leeds aim to bolster their ranks.

Leeds United to rival Bournemouth and Crystal Palace for Finn Azaz

According to a report by The Irish Sun, Leeds United are interested in securing the services of Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz, but face stiff competition from top-flight duo Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.

The 24-year-old has recorded a combined 16 goals and as many assists on Teesside over the last two terms, which has raised the eyebrows of a number of top-flight clubs to take a punt on him.

Back in March, the newly-crowned FA Cup champions Crystal Palace watched Azaz when he represented the Republic of Ireland against Bulgaria, but it is understood now that both Bournemouth and Leeds have entered the frame.

Boro value Azaz at £20 million as the former West Brom academy graduate still has two years remaining on his current deal at the Riverside Stadium, but Middlesbrough will find it difficult to turn down offers to make a significant profit following their move for him 18 months ago from Aston Villa.

Leeds United won’t be first in the queue for Finn Azaz signature

While Leeds United hold serious interest in Finn Azaz, two established Premier League sides are surely set to be further up the pecking order for destination preference.

Crystal Palace recently lifted the FA Cup and could offer Azaz the prospect of playing Europa League football next term, while Bournemouth are seemingly on the rise under Andoni Iraola after marching into the top half of the Premier League table on the final day of the season.

Both of these teams are unlikely to be involved in a relegation dogfight next term like Leeds may well be involved in, and Azaz could benefit at either Palace or Bournemouth, who have track records of transforming Championship stars into Premier League gems.

Although the history of Leeds as a club will tempt the Boro attacking midfielder, the prospect of playing regular Premier League football in the long-term has a higher chance at either the Vitality Stadium or Selhurst Park.