Leeds United expect slower summer as Hidemasa Morita links dismissed | OneFootball

Leeds United expect elements of their summer transfer business to be pushed back by the World Cup, and have dismissed talk of an imminent move for Hidemasa Morita.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds are not pursuing the Japan international and have not even looked at him, with sources describing the links as nonsense. Reports elsewhere had suggested advanced talks or a near-completed deal.

Morita, 30, is nearing the end of his contract at Sporting and has made 163 appearances, including in the Champions League and Europa League. His age and profile do not fit the club’s current brief.

Behind the scenes, recruitment staff are compiling shortlists and profiling targets, but any claims of completed deals at this point should be treated cautiously. Three Premier League fixtures remain and top-flight status is not yet mathematically secure.

The summer window opens in five weeks, and this year it may run late because of the World Cup. Many deals across the league, not only at Leeds, are likely to be concluded after the tournament.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk