Leeds linked with long list of potential recruits

Championship promotion chances Leeds United (12/1) have been linked with a whole host of players, as the club look to add much-needed recruits ahead of the new season.

Following the £11m sale of Scotland forward Ross McCormack to Fulham, the Whites have money to spend, and the likes of Glenn Murray, Nigel Reo-Coker, Liam Cooper, Kieran Agard and Zan Benedicic are all reported targets.

The Yorkshire side are said to be closing in on 18-year-old AC Milan midfielder Benedicic on a loan deal, with his agent confirming there have been talks between the two former European giants.

“The clubs are talking. He is back from the States (where Milan are out on a pre-season tour) and I hope to have news in the next few days,” Amir Ruznic said, of his Slovenian client.

The player himself has even said that he is on the verge of signing: “We are waiting all the documents and the last confirmations, then I will sign. I am one step away from becoming a Leeds player. This opportunity is very good to me.

“They wanted me intensely and I always liked English football. My first goal? To achieve a place in the starting eleven.”

Although primarily an attacking midfielder, Under-21 star Benedicic is also adept to playing further back, as he did occasionally for the Italian club’s youth side last term.

New Italian Leeds owner Massimo Cellino, meanwhile, hopes to bring in Federico Viviani on a temporary basis too, after a previous attempt to sign the Roma playmaker stalled.

Former West Ham United captain and England Under-21 midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, meanwhile, is being linked with a move to Elland Road. The 30-year-old has spent the last two season playing across the Atlantic for MLS franchise Vancouver Whitecaps, but could be offered the chance to return home.

Crystal Palace star striker and proven lower league goalscorer Murray is also a reported target for Leeds. Also 30 years old, the Englishman spent most of last term on the sidelines, due to a serious knee injury sustained the season before, and is hoping to revitalise his career after falling down the order at Selhurst Park.