Many Leeds fans have been reacting on social media after the Whites were dragged into a surprising transfer battle with Everton, West Ham United and Southampton in the chase for former Arsenal and Manchester United winger Danny Welbeck.
The Gunners released the 42-cap England international at the end of June once his contract in North London expired, having spent the prior five years with the club after completing a summer switch from the Red Devils in 2014.
He is widely considered to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market, and is nearing a return to fitness ahead of the new season following two operations on an ankle injury sustained last November when he was carried off the field against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.
However, TEAMtalk understand Welbeck is chasing a £100,000-a-week contract with a Premier League side this summer, and note that a shock move by Leeds to land the winger-come-striker came about after United fanzine The Square Ball joked that he could be on Marcelo Bielsa’s radar.
Given the wage he is demanding, and the Premier League competition we would face, it is beyond unlikely that we are actively seeking a move for Welbeck this summer, even if he has admirers at Elland Road.
That has not stopped Whites supporters from reacting to the claims of interest in the two-time FA Cup winner…
Be interested to know where this one originated. ???? https://t.co/x97pQb15Se
— The Square Ball (@TheSquareBall) July 4, 2019
His agent.????????????????
— Channi Patel???????? (@ChanniPatel) July 4, 2019
He’d last 2 minutes under Bielsa before his legs spontaneously combust. Would want it on a play and pay basis. Too risky otherwise as suspect he’d command big money. Can see a mid/lower prem team chasing him
— Simon Winterburn (@WinterburnSimon) July 4, 2019
Would rather have Sturridge
— Russell Hill (@chilterndevelop) July 4, 2019
Sure he’ll be ok on £20,000 a week?
— Ryan McWrestling (@Wrestlin_Maniac) July 4, 2019
Responsibility probably rests with John Smith, Jack Daniels, and Jim Beam.
— Dave Devonport (@DMDev54) July 4, 2019
Not a cat in hells chance. Way too expensive.
— Paul ⚽ ???? (@4everleeds) July 4, 2019
Hmm ???????????? I wonder. ????????????
— Paul Medforth (@MedforthPaul) July 4, 2019
Same place as Buffon and payet probably
— Kevin sinfield (@kevin_sinfield) July 4, 2019
This isnt happening got more chance of me jumping down from hospitality section in east upper naked and streaking onto the pitch at half time than that happening
— samuel gallagher (@samuelgallaghe2) July 4, 2019
I know it is a joke but he is poor. 16 goals in 5 years with a ratio of more than 5 games per goal. Actually the more I think about it the more he sounds like a real Leeds signing!
— Steve Bell (@Rebel305Leeds) July 4, 2019
Can you start a Gary Cahill to be Pontus Jansson replacement ????????
— Dale (@_Whiting_11) July 4, 2019
it started something like this: “Danny Wellbeck, would be a good signing, and it’d be on a free.”
then
“My mate says Leeds are in for Danny Wellbeck”
probably
— Dale nicholson???????? (@Dalenich1977) July 4, 2019
Could do a job at this level. Any more cliches we can think of?
— PD31 (@PMD31) July 4, 2019
He knows the club. Oh wait.
— Lord Bielsa (@LordBielsa) July 3, 2019
Would be very good player for freebie, more likely go to prem team though?
— Andy Tewkes (@andy11575245) July 3, 2019