25-year-old attacker tells his club his preference is a move to Leeds United

It’s been a topsy-turvy few weeks for Daniel Farke at Leeds United, but at least the German can start welcoming new signings to the club rather than seeing more and more first-team staff decide to leave the Elland Road outfit.

The all whites have been through a real transitional period since the start of pre-season due in part to having both a new manager and new ownership, 49ers Enterprises.

Whatever their modus operandi is, it’s likely that cost savings being made would’ve been high on the agenda given a drop down into the English Championship.

This time next week, the transfer window soap opera will all be over for another few months at least, and only then will Farke know exactly which staff members he can call upon to help his side build up a head of steam and drive them towards the top of the table.

There’s still a few days for the make up of his squad to change, and to that end, The Athletic (subscription required) are reporting that Genk’s Joseph Paintsil has told his club his preference is a move to Elland Road, after previously turning down a swap deal to Southampton.

It isn’t clear if Farke is in for the player or if this is a ‘come and get me’ plea. Either way, a deal has to be concluded by Friday night.

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Perkins earned his Premier League debut for West Ham United during the 2021/22 season but made the switch to Elland Road last summer after rejecting the Hammers’ offer of a professional contract upon expiry of his scholarship with the Europa Conference League champions.

 

Perkins earned his Premier League debut for West Ham United during the 2021/22 season but made the switch to Elland Road last summer after rejecting the Hammers’ offer of a professional contract upon expiry of his scholarship with the Europa Conference League champions.

However, the German coach feels as though it’s best for Perkins to go out on loan to develop further and Oxford United have managed to be the club that secured his signature for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking to club media, Perkins hinted that Liam Manning’s style of play at the Kasssam Stadium was an influence behind his decision to sign for the U’s [via the BBC]:

“The way Oxford is set up and want to play is really appealing.

“They have started the season strongly and I can’t wait to get started.”

Head coach Manning is delighted to have a versatile player like Perkins in his forward line. The young coach said:

“He is a very exciting talent, with the ability to play as a striker or across any of the front positions. He is clever with the ball and has scored goals at every level.

Liam Manning’s style of play at the Kassam Stadium was undoubtedly one of the deciding factors behind Leeds’ decision to send Perkins to Oxford United.

Perkins is an exciting attacking talent and will now be involved within a forward line capable of playing fluid football which can only benefit him over the course of the season.