Leeds United have been urged to sign Joe Rodon on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell this season, but it is thought Tottenham Hotspur could drive a hard bargain according to journalist, Phil Hay.
Since signing for Spurs from Swansea, Rodon has seen his career stall rather dramatically. A loan spell with French side Rennes last year offered little in the way of progress.
However, the Welshman has truly flourished with Leeds United this season in the Championship. Rodon made 50 appearances for the Yorkshire club as they chased instant promotion back to the Premier League (Transfermarkt).
Unfortunately, Leeds lost in the play-off final to Southampton, and will have to spend another year in the second tier of English football. That defeat could well have dealt a blow to Leeds’ chances of keeping Rodon permanently.
Alan Hutton has already suggested Rodon will be a target for the three promoted sides — Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton — this summer (Tottenham News).
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail claimed several Premier League clubs are keen on Rodon, leaving Leeds with a difficult task ahead of them.
Can Leeds sign Rodon permanently?
Now, Phil Hay has had his say on The Square Ball podcast, stating Leeds would be wise to move for Rodon, but may find it hard to get a good deal.
He said: “I’d be really surprised if they didn’t have another go at Rodon, I really would. The money you’d have to pay for him, by Premier League standards, isn’t massive, although Tottenham tend to bargain pretty hard.
“But, he’s been so good this season and so steady in that position, that you would absolutely say if you can get him back, that fills the right side of the two centre-backs; get it done.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I just can’t see Rodon signing for Leeds if any Premier League sides are sniffing around him, too, which they definitely will be. He deserves to be in the top flight, and I expect someone like Leicester to get the deal done.