Leeds United are preparing for their return to the Premier League and are now readying a bid to sign an exciting top-flight star this summer, per a report.

Leeds United looking to build ahead of Premier League return

Now the dust has settled on a dramatic season that culminated in the Championship title at Elland Road, Daniel Farke and the 49ers Enterprises will now turn their attention towards potential incomings ahead of the new campaign.

Setting his expectations, the German coach believes survival in the Premier League is a realistic target for the Whites despite the regular occurrence of newly-promoted sides struggling to adapt a level up the pyramid.

He stated: “That’s definitely the plan (survival). I don’t want to come across as arrogant and tell everyone it’s easy. All the recently promoted sides are really good, big names, spending lots of money but not able to stay in the league. But one thing is for sure, we will try.”

Money will need to be spent by the 49ers to ensure Leeds can extend their stay in the Premier League, and there is no shortage of targets in Yorkshire now the off-season is in full swing.

Mjallby goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist has entered Farke’s eyeline, though he is likely to be a backup solution as opposed to a direct replacement for Illan Meslier between the sticks.

Leeds now want to sign £20m Championship star who outperformed Gus Hamer

The Whites are looking to raid one of their 2024/25 Championship rivals this summer.

1 ByDominic Lund

Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz could add some flair in the engine room for Leeds, but there is every chance they also move for some proven Premier League operators to ensure there is experience in the camp before they kick off the new campaign.

Tapping into that school of thought, the Whites are now lining up a swoop for an exciting addition at Elland Road that would please supporters.

Leeds United prepare £16.8m offer for Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal on X, Leeds are preparing a £16.8 million offer to sign Aston Villa “playmaker” Emiliano Buendia ahead of the summer window.

Farke previously worked with the Argentina international at Norwich City, and it is believed that he will be allowed to leave Villa Park this summer with the blessing of Unai Emery, and the Leeds boss is keen on a reunion at Elland Road.

Enduring a tough time with injuries, Buendia spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, registering two goals in 14 appearances across all competitions.

The 28-year-old may be in need of a revival, but there is every chance Leeds could give him the platform to shine following a difficult period in maintaining consistent availability. Buendia moving to Yorkshire appears to be an agreeable move for all parties and may be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.