Leeds United ready to activate £24.5m transfer for Leicester City ace | OneFootball

Leeds United are keen to pay the £24.5 million release clause in Bilal El Khannouss' Leicester City contract.

Leeds United are keen to add Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss to their squad as they prepare for life in the Premier League.

A meeting took place between the club and the Moroccan's representatives on Wednesday, with the Foxes attacker having a £24.5 million release clause that Leeds are willing to pay.

El Khannouss netted twice and provided three assists in the top-flight last term; however, he was undoubtedly the most influential player for the club on their way to relegation, despite the low return.

Meeting takes place as Leeds chase Leicester star

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Leeds, who swapped places with Leicester ahead of next term, met with the camp of El Khannouss ahead of a potential deal. With the Whites making it clear that they are willing to pay the £24.5 million release clause in the 21-year-old's contract.

El Khannouss has been linked with a hatful of clubs this summer as a result of his standout performances in the top flight, with Tottenham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace all recently being earmarked as potential destinations.

El Khannouss signed his current deal with the Foxes last summer after arriving from Genk, with his contract running until 2028.

El Khannouss exit could open the door for ex-Burnley star

Leicester have endured a far from ideal summer thus far as they prepare for life back in the Championship. The late managerial appointment raised concerns, while the club have had to streamline their squad to comply with EFL rules.

However, it could be a case of out with the old and in with the new once a deal is done for El Khannouss.

According to FourFourTwo, the Foxes have tabled an offer for Josh Brownhill, who is now a free agent following the expiration of his Burnley contract.

The 29-year-old midfielder had the best individual season of his career last term, as he netted 18 Championship goals and provided six assists. Burnley's campaign was not bad either, with Scott Parker's men getting promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

With one star getting closer to the exit door at the King Power Stadium, the Foxes could bring in an instant replacement in Brownhill, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Championship.