Leeds United opened their summer business with a new contract for Ethan Ampadu and are now lining up a club record deal to reinforce their defence even further.

Leeds chiefs delighted by Ampadu contract

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe announced that the 25-year-old Wales international, who joined the West Yorkshire club from Chelsea in July 2023, has committed himself to the cause at Elland road in a move Marathe believes will help retain the core of the squad.

Speaking during an interview on Sky Sports News, he said: “It’s rare when, as a club, you’re able to break your own news, and I’ll do that right now. I can proudly announce that we have signed Ethan Ampadu to a new four-year contract.

“The ink is dry and it’s done and I think we’ll announce it shortly. That was important, to have our captain locked up and signed up for us because he’s been such a leader on and off the pitch.

“But no doubt, we want to continue to keep the core together. We have such a really good group and the longer they stay together and coalesce together, the better the whole club will be.”

Ampadu was part of the Leeds squad which secured its return to the Premier League at the end of the 2024-25 season by edging out Burnley on goal difference to win the Sky Bet Championship.

Unlike the Clarets, however, they retained their top-flight status in some comfort, finishing in 14th place with 47 points, eight clear of West Ham in the final relegation spot, with their captain appearing in 35 of their 38 league fixtures.

And as a reward for that feat the 49ers group are set to back Daniel Farke this summer, starting with more moves in defence.

Leeds set to make formal approach for La Liga star

Leeds are one of a number of teams eyeing Real Betis centre-back Natan this summer, and are ready to firm up their interest with an official approach now that that transfer window is open, Football FanCast sources understand.

The window opened for business on Monday June 15, and Leeds will hand Farke around £100m to invest in his playing squad this summer.

A large chunk of that is expected to go on the spine of the team - namely at centre-back and striker.

Natan, a Brazilian defender who stands at 6 foot 3, is valued at €45m (£39m) by Betis, which would be a record deal for Leeds.

However, the La Liga outfit have given the green light for the 25 year-old, who is yet to earn his first senior cap for Brazil, to leave this summer, as they believe he is their most valuable asset as they seek to raise funds in the window.

Leeds have also been offered the chance to sign Lois Openda, who Juventus are keen to offload this summer.