Two factors mean Leeds United should line up alternatives to Norwich City star: View | OneFootball

The Whites may like Gabriel Sara, but they could find it extremely difficult to get a deal over the line for the midfielder.

Norwich City could see a number of their key players attract interest between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

As it stands, the Canaries have retained the vast majority of their key players from last term, with Angus Gunn remaining between the sticks, Jonathan Rowe staying put and Josh Sargent remaining at the club.

Adam Idah also looks set to be a real asset, having gained plenty of confidence during his loan spell with Celtic during the second half of last season.

But the player that may attract the most interest during the second half of the summer window is Gabriel Sara, who was exceptional for the Norfolk outfit during the 2023/24 campaign.

Proving to be one of the most prolific midfielders in the Championship last term, it's no surprise that Corriere dello Sport [26/7 paper edition; page 31] have reported that the player has attracted interest from clubs in numerous divisions.

Leeds United are one team believed to be interested in the player.

Gabriel Sara could prove to be too expensive for Leeds United

Sara would be a good fit for the Whites, considering they are in need of more central midfield options.

Joe Rothwell may have joined on loan and Ilia Gruev has stayed put, but Glen Kamara recently sealed a move to Stade Rennais, Archie Gray has secured a switch to Tottenham Hotspur and it's unclear whether Ethan Ampadu will play in midfield during the 2024/25 campaign.

Sara, who can play in an attacking midfield role and deeper, could be an excellent fit for an attacking side like the Whites.

Leeds may be able to afford him if they sell Georginio Rutter, who was recently the subject of a £30m bid, but if the Frenchman doesn't leave, it may be difficult for the West Yorkshire side to get a deal over the line for him.

With the player having two years left on his contract and the Canaries having the option to extend his deal by another year, Norwich are in a very strong negotiating position and can demand a sizeable amount for the player.

They have other players they can sell too, and they sanctioned big-money exits for Max Aarons and Andrew Omobamidele last year, so the Canaries may not be under much pressure to sell.

Considering the number of goal contributions that the Brazilian registered last season as well, he won't come cheap, especially for a side that failed to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

With this in mind, Leeds should have some cheaper targets lined up.

Norwich City will not want to sell Gabriel Sara to a league rival

Sara isn't just attracting interest from the Whites.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Italian outfit Atalanta, Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray and Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Leicester City are all admirers of the midfielder.

With other teams interested in him, Norwich will surely be doing everything they can to avoid selling their star man to a potential promotion rival.

Leeds are all but guaranteed to be in the promotion mix next term, considering the calibre of their players and their finish last season, and Norwich could also be involved in the race for the top six, depending on how they get on under their new manager.

At the moment, they have plenty of top-quality attacking options, including Sara, Rowe, Sargent and Idah.

Idah scored nine goals in 19 competitive appearances for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions during the second half of last season and could form a deadly partnership with United States international Sargent.

Selling Sara to Leeds would massively weaken themselves and strengthen a league rival that's already strong, and that's something Norwich won't want to do, so it may be difficult for Daniel Farke's side to get a deal over the line for him.