Published Jun 19, 2026, 8:05 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

While clubs across the division have rushed to complete major deals, mainly Tottenham, the focus at Elland Road right now looks to be on assessing opportunities rather than making headline-grabbing moves.

That is not to say there has been a lack of ambition behind the scenes.

Leeds have continued to monitor several experienced players who could strengthen Daniel Farke's squad without requiring huge transfer fees.

The club's recruitment team have been particularly active in the free-agent market, where value has become increasingly important, and one player linked in recent weeks has been Fulham winger Harry Wilson.

The Wales international is approaching the end of his contract and has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs after enjoying one of the most productive campaigns of his career.

Leeds have also been credited with interest in a number of attacking additions capable of adding creativity and experience to the squad, like soon-to-be free agent Julian Brandt.

With the transfer window now open, attention is beginning to turn towards players who could make an immediate impact, and the 48-cap Germany international would certainly fit that bracket as he prepares to leave Borussia Dortmund.

That is what makes an update from talkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs particularly interesting.

Leeds hold initial talks to sign Harry Wilson and Julian Brandt

According to the journalist, writing on X (formerly Twitter), Leeds have held initial talks over moves for both Wilson and Brandt, with the Whites exploring a potential Bosman double deal for the pair.

Wilson is perhaps the more familiar name to Premier League supporters.

The 29-year-old enjoyed an excellent season for Fulham and finished the campaign with 10 goals and seven assists in 36 league appearances.

His ability to play on the right flank, drift into central areas and contribute directly in front of goal has made him one of the most sought-after free agents available this summer.

Leeds are not alone in chasing him.

Jacobs does report that Aston Villa remain interested, while Benfica are also among the clubs keeping a close eye on the situation, and there is similarly stiff competition for Brandt.

The latter's situation is arguably even more eye-catching.

The Borussia Dortmund playmaker has spent the majority of his career competing at the highest level of European football, and has earned over 300 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions as a club legend.

Throughout his senior career in Germany, Brandt has also managed 99 goals and 122 assists across spells at both Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

At 30, Brandt still has plenty to offer and remains highly regarded for his technical ability, vision and creativity.

A move to Leeds would undoubtedly be viewed as a statement of intent.

For now, the key detail is that discussions have already taken place for Wilson and Brandt, but no agreements have been reached at this stage.

However, Leeds are clearly exploring ambitious market opportunities as they shape their plans for the months ahead, with the 49ers attempting to operate within their financial means whilst backing Farke at the same time.