Leeds United are not interested in rivalling West Bromwich Albion for the services of Brentford midfielder Romaine Sawyers, according to Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson.
The Whites have been linked with interest in the 27-year-old midfielder recently, with claims that Marcelo Bielsa is a big admirer of the 2020-free agent and was keen to add the Birmingham-born creator to his ranks.
But West Brom are understood to be in talks with Brentford regarding a potential move for the 26-cap Saint Kitts and Nevis captain, after they saw a £2.2million bid rejected.
The Bees are believed to be holding out for more than £3million despite Sawyers entering the final year of his contract at Griffin Park on July 1, with Thomas Frank’s outfit also rejecting Celtic’s advances after the Scottish Premiership champions offered bids of £1.5m and £2million.
Dean Smith’s Premier League new boys Aston Villa have also been suggested as a potential suitor, but claims were made earlier in the week that West Brom had moved into pole position to land the midfielder’s services and were hopeful of getting a deal finalised within the next few days.
Sawyers allegedly gave the Baggies hope of striking a deal after hinting toward a willingness to join their promotion mission at the Hawthorns, although Leeds Director of Football Victor Orta was reportedly ready to rival West Brom with an offer of our own.
But Anderson has now refuted that suggestion, as he believes speculation of a move by United is ‘wide of the mark’, leaving our promotion rivals West Brom with a clear route to sign Sawyers before the August 8 deadline.
News of Leeds’ lack of intent to sign Sawyers will likely leave some of the Elland Road faithful disheartened, as there had been calls on social media for Orta to challenge WBA to his signature.