Leeds United are gearing up for another tilt at top-flight football and Lee Hendrie has given his thoughts on their pursuit of an exciting reported target.

Leeds United prepare for their return to the Premier League

Daniel Farke secured the Championship title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season and will now be ready to push forward in his hunt to position his side for Premier League survival.

Now, his focus after the summer break will turn towards recruiting talent to help them on their way, something Lee Sharpe believes the Whites have to perfect if they are to stave off relegation next term.

He stated: “Leeds need to recruit wisely and rotate the starting 11 more this time around. Two years ago, they didn’t rotate the team enough, which meant they would tire in the last 15 or 20 minutes of games. As long as they get the basics right, they’ll give themselves a good chance.”

Manchester City star James McAtee and soon-to-be free agent Jamie Vardy could arrive at Elland Road. However, competition for their services will be fierce from elsewhere.

Motherwell’s Lennon Miller has been identified to strengthen Leeds’ engine room. Again, he may prove to be a difficult capture in a crowded market where talent is only available at a premium.

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Recent years have provided plenty of lessons for the Elland Road hierarchy to learn in the lead-up to their top-flight return. Determined to make sure Leeds remain on a sustainable footing in the Premier League, Farke and the 49ers Enterprises have now turned their attention to a talented operator who has filled Lee Hendrie with intrigue.

Hendrie: Mateus Fernandes would be a "really good fit" for Leeds United

According to pundit Hendrie, speaking to Football League World, Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes would be a ‘very good fit’ for Leeds should he move to Elland Road this summer. Leeds have been linked with a move for the £30m midfielder, as have Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

He stated: “He’s another very good player that I think would fit the bill for Leeds for how they play. He’s got a little bit of everything.

Mateus Fernandes in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

43

Goals

3

Assists

5

“I think he would be a really, really good signing for the football club, I really do. I watch the signings that they brought in over past seasons: flamboyant, skill – he’s got that in abundance.

“I think it’s inevitable he leaves the football club. I think it would be a really good fit for Leeds, and for him. Obviously, Premier League, and an exciting team that he could end up playing in where you might get a bit more out of him. Very, very good player, and it would be a good signing for Leeds.”

In a disappointing campaign for Southampton, midfielder Fernandes has created 31 chances on Premier League duty, illustrating his capacity to show himself at the highest level even when things aren’t going swimmingly for the collective.

Leeds will need players with that level of resilience next term, and the Portugal Under-21 international is certainly someone who fits the bill heading into the window.