Alex Nubel ‘done deal’ update emerges from Sky Sports Germany after £8.6m Leeds United transfer interest
MOT View: Leeds need quick keeper decision as Alexander Nubel deal could be complete today
Leeds United have missed out on Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alex Nubel as his loan move to VfB Stuttgart is now a “done deal”, according to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
The Whites are in the market for a new keeper this summer with Illan Meslier expected to depart, despite no offers yet materialising for the Frenchman.
Bild reported on 19 July that the club were willing to shell out €10million [£8.6m] to the Bavarian giants to make German Nubel, 26, their man, but they have been unsuccessful in that race.
Plettenberg reported via Twitter on Sunday night (23 July): “Exclusive. News Nübel: DONE DEAL and TOTAL AGREEMENT between the clubs now. He will join VfB.
“One-year-loan without an option to buy. Loan fee €1m. It’s done. Nübel will leave Bayern immediately.”
The Bundesliga side, even on a temporary basis have proven preferable to the Elland Road promotion project, and time is starting to run out to get a new starter in.
Daniel Farke could attempt to start the new campaign with Meslier in goal, as the market that had long been expected for the 23-year-old has yet to materialise.
But that would risk a late bid coming in that sees him go before deadline day that would have the club scrambling to find an alternative.
Last year’s back up Joel Robles has already gone to Saudi Arabia and Kristoffer Klaesson has only made one first-team appearance.
The Whites have been in talks for Newcastle’s Karl Darlow but he appears to be set to head to Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth to remain a Premier League reserve [Northern Echo, 20 July].
Interest in Freddie Woodman has been mooted, and he would apparently take as little as £4m to tempt Preston North End into considering a sale, so it might be time to test that resolve.
Difficulties in overcoming top-flight competition is becoming ever-more evident and time is of the essence to find an answer at a key position, so Farke and the recruitment team need to heed the warning and land an alternative target as a priority.
