Leeds United will hope Ampadu and Dan James factors give them edge in Burnley and Spurs pursuits: View | OneFootball

Leeds United's Welsh duo may help secure the signings of Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts

Leeds United are preparing for another season in the Championship, and Daniel Farke will be looking to right the wrongs of the 2023/24 campaign by winning promotion.

It remains to be seen how Leeds' squad will look when the transfer window closes at the end of August, and whilst players may depart, Farke will be looking to bring in a number of players to replace them.

Loanees such as Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts have left Elland Road following the end of their loan spells, but The Athletic have reported that Leeds are keen to bring the pair back to the club this summer.

The two Welsh defenders impressed during their time with Leeds, particularly Rodon, and the pair would be excellent signings, but they are sure to attract interest from elsewhere.

However, Leeds could well have an edge when it comes to signing the pair thanks to two players already part of Farke's squad.

Ethan Ampadu and Dan James could give Leeds United the edge

Leeds United already have two Welsh internationals on their books in Ethan Ampadu and Dan James, and they could help bring Rodon and Roberts back to the club thanks to being international teammates with them.

Being reunited with their international teammates and good friends could be a tempting prospect for Roberts and Rodon, and could also benefit the Welsh national team, so Rob Page may be in favour of it too.

Having four players at the same club playing together on a weekly basis will help them develop an understanding of their game, and would give them a head start when it came to linking up on international duty.

Also, Roberts, Rodon and James all came through Swansea City's academy together and the trio have been good friends for a number of years, so the chance to play alongside long-term friends is something that could help sway their decisions when it comes to picking a new club.

It's clear from social media posts that Roberts and Rodon enjoyed their times at Leeds United, and given the Welsh connections at the club, you'd have thought that the Whites could be in pole position to land the duo again.

If Farke is serious about signing the two defenders again, he should get both James and Ampadu to nag their international teammates to reunite with them at Elland Road in the coming months.

Rodon was a hugely influential figure for Leeds last season, and with seemingly no future at Spurs, he'd be a real coup on a permanent basis for Farke's side, but after failing to win promotion to the Premier League it remains to be seen if they can afford him.

Rodon has also attracted interest from the Premier League, but as outlined above, the Welsh connections at the club could give Leeds an edge when it comes to agreeing a deal for him.

It's no surprise that Rodon is attracting Premier League interest given his performances last season, and he played 50 times in total for the club, cementing his status as one of the best centre-backs in the league.

A deal for Roberts would be more affordable, but it depends on Burnley's managerial situation, with the Clarets currently having no permanent manager in charge. Whoever takes over at Turf Moor would likely want to run the rule over the right-back before deciding whether to keep him at the club or not.

This means Leeds will have to wait before any potential deal with Roberts could take place, but the club seem keen to get a deal over the line for him at some point this summer.

Roberts impressed during the second half of the season, and played 15 times, scoring once and registering one assist. With a wealth of Championship experience, and 39 Premier League games under his belt, he'd be a smart signing and wouldn't break the bank with only a year left on his contract at Turf Moor.

Given the fact they spent time on loan there last season, coupled with the fact they have friends at the club, it would suggest Leeds have an advantage when it comes to trying to sign them if the finances are available.