Leeds United news round-up: Whyte not a target, Pearce contract and Antonsson wanted

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Whites don’t want Whyte

Leeds United will not be making a move for Northern Ireland winger Gavin Whyte this summer, despite recent reports to the contrary.

The West Yorkshire side have been prominently linked to the 22-year-old, who recently won his first call-up to the Northern Ireland senior team. He was the NIFL Player of the Year, helping Crusaders win the national title this season and Leeds were reportedly keen on bringing him to England.

Now, the Yorkshire Evening Post is suggesting that there is no interest in the player from Leeds and no deal will be going ahead this summer.

Whyte will still be looking for a move to England, as he told the Belfast Telegraph. But it appears Elland Road will not be his destination.

Pearce to stay

Wanted left-back Tom Pearce is set to sign a new deal at Leeds United, according to the YEP.

The 20-year-old established himself as the first-choice in the role back in March, after numerous others failed to perform in place of Charlie Taylor. Such form and an expiring contract saw him linked with Premier League sides.

Namely, it was Everton and Bournemouth who felt they could sign the player but Leeds now appear to have convinced the England under-21 international to remain at the club beyond this summer.

For Leeds, it is an excellent piece of news, as Pearce has the talent to go on and be a long-term starter for the club.

Antonsson wanted

Marcus Antonsson’s agent has commented on the Swede’s future at the club, amid interest from his homeland. The Swedish striker was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers last season, where he performed reasonably well and helped the side win promotion to the Championship.

But it remains to be seen if he is in Leeds’ plans for next season and Allsvenskan sides Malmo and Hammarby are now said to be keen on his signature.

Anders Karlsson admitted to Fotboll Direkt there is interest in the player, but that he would no more about his future in a month’s time.

Given the fact he has never truly settled at Leeds, it would be no surprise to see Antonsson departing in the summer.