Report: Leeds on verge of fifth signing, £1.5m fee

By Will Butcher

The Athletic claim that Leeds United are on the verge of completing their fifth summer signing, in the form of Chelsea talent Lewis Bate. The report claims that a medical is taking place on Wednesday morning, and a fee of £1.5million has been agreed. An announcement could come today.

Bate, 18, is one of Chelsea’s best talents having clocked up 20 appearances in last season’s Premier League 2 for the club’s Under-23 side. Missing just four league games, he even captained Chelsea during a 4-1 win over Tottenham’s second string. But the left footer has delayed signing a new deal.

Leeds are said to have beaten the likes of Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton in the race to sign the England Under-18 ace. Now, a deal could be announced as soon as Wednesday night – with a medical underway. A fee and personal terms have also been agreed.

Bate is a brilliant signing for Leeds, at a bargain price

To be a regular in Chelsea’s Under-23 team, you have to be pretty good. Just look at Billy Gilmour – he was, broke into the first team and is now considered one of their best up-and-coming talents in years. To be a regular in the second string at 18, is an even better feet.

On paper, he suits Marcelo Bielsa. Able to play in a range of different central midfield roles, Bate is also a leader, left-footed – and seemingly cheap. To get the England youth star for just £1.5million plus some add-ons is incredible business by Leeds and Victor Orta.

He should be the club’s fifth summer signing, after Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison, Amari Miller and Sean McGurk.