Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was determined to be reunited with Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean in the summer. According to Phil Hay of the Athletic, Farke had a strong desire to secure the services of the Scotland international. However, his former club, Norwich, rejected all attempts for a permanent transfer.
Farke was the individual responsible for bringing McLean to Norwich from Aberdeen in 2018, and McLean has been with the club ever since, amassing nearly 200 appearances. McLean subsequently signed a new contract with Carrow Road, and he has served as the captain, playing every minute of every league game this season.
According to Sky Sports, Leeds made an offer of approximately £4 million for McLean before exploring other options in the final week of the transfer window. Local Norwich outlet Pink Un reported that Norwich turned down three separate inquiries from Leeds for McLean, highlighting Farke’s strong desire to reunite with the 31-year-old.
Leeds were eager to bolster their midfield options during the summer, and McLean was one of several players they made offers for in the final two weeks of the transfer window. In the end, Leeds spent nearly £11 million to sign Glen Kamara from Rangers and Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen.
Kamara is already proving to be a wise acquisition for Leeds, while Gruev is still awaiting his opportunity to shine.
After the international break, Farke will face his former Norwich side and McLean in Leeds’ first game, as they travel to Norfolk.
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