Leeds United open to Ao Tanaka exit? Middlesbrough, Southampton & Derby must be on alert | OneFootball

Leeds United are reportedly open to the idea of selling Ao Tanaka this summer

Ao Tanaka was a crucial part of Leeds United’s promotion to the Premier League last season.

The midfielder featured 43 times for Daniel Farke’s side, including 37 starts, as they earned 100 points on their way to the Championship title.

The Japan international contributed five goals and two assists, and became a firm favourite among supporters at Elland Road.

However, he has struggled for game time with the Whites this year in the top flight, starting on just seven of his 21 league appearances.

It has been reported by TEAMtalk that Leeds are open-minded to the idea of selling Tanaka this summer amid interest from three German clubs.

Here we look at three current Championship sides that should have the 27-year-old on their radar ahead of the transfer window opening at the end of the campaign.

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough are very much in the mix for promotion to the Premier League themselves this year.

The Teesside outfit are second in the table, but they face stiff competition behind them from Ipswich Town and Millwall, with just seven games remaining in the campaign.

Tanaka could prove a smart move for the club regardless of what division they compete in next season.

The 27-year-old has got top flight experience under his belt now, and he knows what it takes to compete at that level.

With Alan Browne’s future at the club uncertain, a failure to secure a permanent move for the Ireland international could open space for Tanaka.

And even gaining promotion may not be enough to keep Hackney at the Riverside given the number of clubs eyeing his signature, as well as the fact he’s entering the final 12 months of his contract.

Tanaka could fill that gap in the squad quite nicely, and if Boro are still in the Championship then he could be a great addition to bolster the squad for another push for a top two finish next year.

Southampton

Southampton’s league status for next year has also not been confirmed, with the Saints fighting for a play-off place.

Failure to go up could lead to some issues in midfield that Tanaka could resolve, with the likes of Caspar Jander, Flynn Downes and Shea Charles all possibly in the firing line for major transfer interest.

The Hampshire outfit also called upon bringing Oriol Romeu back to the club earlier in the campaign, and although minutes have been limited it does highlight the lack of depth the squad could have.

The Spaniard’s contract expires in June, and he was never a long-term solution anyway, so Tanaka can provide the kind of competition for minutes that Tonda Eckert will need next season, particularly if someone like Jander is sold.

Derby County

Derby County are another one of the sides in the mix for a play-off place this season under John Eustace.

The Rams are outside the top six, but are only three points adrift of Southampton in sixth.

Midfield could be an important area for the club in the summer, particularly with David Ozoh and Bobby Clark’s loan stints both set to conclude.

It remains to be seen whether either will remain at Pride Park, and alternative options will have to be drawn up in case permanent deals can’t be struck.

Tanaka would be an excellent addition to Eustace’s side, and he could be a natural fit for their midfield, adding his defensive and passing skills to the squad.