Leeds United target decides ‘not to sign new deal’ with Ligue 1 club

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their bid to sign midfielder Branco van den Boomen from Toulouse.

The 27-year-old has decided not to renew his deal with the Ligue 1 club and will head elsewhere this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Several clubs have been linked with a move for Van den Boomen, including Leeds and Aston Villa.

The Dutch midfielder previously played in his homeland before signing for Toulouse in 2020.

He helped the club win promotion last season and has played an integral role as they have re-established themselves in the top flight.

Van den Boomen was in the starting XI as Toulouse recently booked their place in next season’s Europa League by winning the French Cup.

Stats suggest Van Den Boomen would be a shrewd signing for Leeds

Van den Boomen would potentially be a shrewd signing for Leeds this summer.

His statistics compare extremely favourable with the club’s current first-choice central midfielder.

He has made 31 league appearances for Toulouse this season, bagging five goals and eight assists.

By contrast, Marc Roca has featured 30 times for Leeds this term and has weighed in with one goal and two assists.

Van den Boomen also outshines the Leeds midfielder for pass completion (82.4% vs 79.8%).

While comparisons between the Premier League and Ligue 1 can be misleading, Van den Boomen undoubtedly has plenty of excellent attributes.

He possesses excellent creativity and has the physicality to suggest he would cope with playing in England.

At 6ft 2ins, the Dutchman is excellent in the air and a massive threat from set-pieces.

His overall profile suggests he would be an excellent fit for Leeds, particularly if Sam Allardyce remains as manager next season.

Leeds’ hopes of signing Van den Boomen will likely hinge on the club staying in the Premier League, which will not be easy given their remaining fixtures.

They visit Manchester City tomorrow, before meeting Newcastle United (H), West Ham United (A) and Tottenham Hotspur (H) in their final three matches.