Report: Leeds eyeing ‘outstanding’ 25-year-old international midfielder

Fri 1 April 2022 20:45, UK

Leeds United are one of several English clubs eyeing Anderlecht’s Josh Cullen, according to TEAMtalk.

In Kalvin Phillips, Whites currently have one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.

However, the Leeds hometown hero reportedly has multiple clubs circling around him.

Therefore, Jesse Marsch could potentially be looking at replacements in case the unthinkable happens.

Cullen wouldn’t be a bad shout for Leeds – he’s improved a lot since leaving England and shouldn’t be too pricey.

The 25-year-old was on West Ham’s books between 2015 and 2020.

However, Cullen spent the vast majority of his time there out on loan.

He shone during a two-year stint at Charlton Athletic, before joining Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht in October 2020.

Cullen cost the Belgian outfit just £500,000 and he has been very successful there.

The 16-cap Republic of Ireland international has made 71 appearances for Anderlecht.

Indeed, he has become one of the most dominant midfielders in the Belgian top-flight.

However, Cullen’s success has drawn attention, and now, several English clubs are circling.

As well as Leeds, the likes of Wolves, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Burnley, Norwich, Fulham and Sheffield United are in pursuit.

Even West Ham, who offloaded him two years ago, are apparently keeping tabs on their former player.

“Very rarely does he do anything wrong”

Cullen’s contract expires in 2023, so Anderlecht’s hand won’t be particularly strong in negotiations.

And the player himself has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League once again.

“Of course it would be a dream to play in the Premier League again,” TEAMtalk quoted him as saying.

“As a footballer, you need to want to play against the best players in the best league, and the best league is the Premier League.”

Former Charlton boss Lee Bowyer loved working with Cullen.

“Josh Cullen has been excellent for the two years he has been working with me,” he in 2020.

“Every single game he’s outstanding, very rarely does he do anything wrong.”