Leeds United set for first summer arrival

Leeds are interested in taking Baker on a permanent basis, but have also been discussing options to sign the 23-year-old on a season-long loan.

Baker, who endured a disappointing loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, has interest from other clubs, but the player is said to prefer a move to Elland Road.

Defender Paudie O’Connor has signed a new two-year deal – ahead of a likely loan move to a lower-division side to boost his game-time levels.

The 20-year-old joined the Whites last summer from Irish side Limerick and went straight into Leeds’ Under-23 side captaining Carlos Corberan’s men in the process.

Following a run of fine form, O’Connor was handed a senior debut in April at home to Sunderland amid an injury crisis and went on to make three more appearances during the close of the campaign.

O’Connor said: “It is nice for the club to give me the contract and the bit of stability that we all need.”

On O’Connor’s future next season, sporting director Victor Orta said: “We are really pleased to see Paudie sign a new deal at the club. He has huge potential and we hope he will be a key player for Leeds United for many years to come, not only is he a good footballer, he also has the desire and attitude needed to take him to the top.

“Paudie is keen to play games, as every hungry young footballer should be, so we will now look to send him out on loan for the forthcoming season.”

Huddersfield Town are said to be battling with Fulham to sign Leicester striker Ahmed Musa. The Nigeria international – impressive in the World Cup – joined the Foxes from CSKA Moscow in 2016 for around £16.6m.