Leeds United are close to signing Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu.

The clubs are currently in talks over a potential permanent deal for the 22-year-old centre-back, who can also play in defensive midfield.

Ampadu has had four loan spells from Chelsea since joining the club from Exeter in 2017. He spent last season at Spezia — making 31 Serie A appearances for the relegated side — after previous temporary spells with RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Venezia.

But the Wales international, who has made just 12 senior appearances for Chelsea, could now leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis this summer.


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Leeds are undergoing a summer reshuffle under new boss Daniel Farke following their relegation to the Championship last season.

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USMNT international Brenden Aaronson has made a loan move to Union Berlin, Diego Llorente has re-joining Roma for the 2023-24 campaign, and will be joined on loan by Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch has temporarily signed for Eintracht Frankfurt and Marc Roca has sealed a loan switch to Real Betis.

Forward Rodrigo, meanwhile, has completed a permanent transfer to Qatari side Al Rayyan.

(Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

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