Leeds United are keeping close tabs on AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to Football Insider.
It is claimed that the club have drawn up a shortlist of shot-stoppers that could be targeted in the summer window should Marcelo Bielsa secure our place in the top-flight, with there being doubt over Kiko Casilla’s future at Elland Road.
Ramsdale has enhanced his reputation at the peak of the English domestic game this term, despite the Cherries sitting 18th in the table, with the £12.6million-rated ‘keeper boasting four clean sheets over his 28 league starts.
The 21-year-old has frequently displayed his increasing potential in Eddie Howe’s struggling side this season, having made the third-most saves in the Premier League (102) with only Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka (117) and Arsenal’s Bernd Leno (104) noted as making more by Sofa Score.
Ramsdale has also produced the fifth-most saves from shots faced inside his box (59), while only Nick Pope (15), Leno (14) and Ben Foster (13) have made a higher number of successful runs out (11).
Howe’s first-choice ‘keeper’s exploits have not gone amiss elsewhere in the country, though, as Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Ramsdale ahead of the summer market.
The London rivals are both said to be weighing up options that could alter their goalkeeper ranks, with Spurs keen to replace summer free-agent Michel Vorm while acquiring a genuine threat to captain Hugo Lloris.
Frank Lampard is also eying competition for Chelsea’s number one Kepa Arrizabalaga, having previously dropped the Spaniard his club signed for £71m, which remains the world-record fee involving a goalkeeper.
Would Ramsdale be a good Casilla replacement?
Yes
No
Bournemouth are determined to retain Ramsdale’s services this summer and awarded him a new, long-term deal in October that runs until 2024, but their hopes are expected to hinge on Howe guiding the Cherries to safety whenever the Premier League season resumes.
In other Leeds United news, reports have detailed the club’s plans for a £15m transfer.