Panic at European club as Leeds line up move for Tanaka replacement, offer coming

Leeds United are now plotting a summer move to sign Djaoui Cisse from Stade Rennais, who are bracing themselves for an opening offer.

Tanaka “open” to Leeds departure this summer

Whilst it’s been a successful season for Leeds, it’s not been one without sacrifices. Daniel Farke’s decision to switch to a back five in a system without wingers has limited the game time of Wilfried Gnonot and Dan James, who have joined Tanaka watching on from the bench for the majority of the campaign.

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The Whites are braced for a big battle this summer.

It’s sparked several concerns that there could be several departures at Elland Road this summer, including Tanaka.

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, the midfielder is “open” to leaving Leeds this summer and the Yorkshire club are willing to grant his wish if an offer worth around €10-12m (£9-10m) arrives.

Although Tanaka sent a timely reminder of his quality against West Ham in the FA Cup last weekend, it’s becoming increasingly clear that he wants more than a bit-part role at the club.

With the threat of second season syndrome looming over them, however, Leeds will have to welcome a replacement for the 27-year-old before showing him the exit door this summer. And that’s where Cisse could play a part.

Leeds plotting move to sign Djaoui Cisse

With that in mind, Leeds are now plotting a move to sign Cisse as a potential Tanaka replacement, according to reports in France, translated by Sport Witness.

The Whites already made contact with Stade Rennais about a move and the Ligue 1 side are now bracing themselves for an offer from Elland Road.

It’s not just Leeds that are interested, either. Alongside them, Arsenal are also fans of the midfielder and are threatening to spoil the 49ers’ plan to reinforce their side in the coming months.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt also have their sights set on Cisse – sparking a four-team race across European football.

In terms of replacing Tanaka, Cisse would be an ideal fit under Farke. At just 22 years old, the midfielder was dubbed “unreal” by Como scout Ben Mattinson and could now get the chance to step into the Premier League this summer.

Alongside both Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu, the Stade Rennais star would provide all the competition that Leeds need to avoid a classic case of second season syndrome next season.