'Definitely' - Door opens for ex-Aston Villa man to join Leeds United for free after £5m deal confirmed

Former Aston Villa, Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur player Alan Hutton claims Leeds United are looking at the possibility of bringing Coventry City ace Callum O’Hare to Elland Road this summer amid the Sky Blues’ agreement to sign Jack Rudoni from Huddersfield Town.

Rudoni, who occupies the same position as O’Hare, penned a four-year deal with Coventry on Thursday, with the fee reported to be in the region of £5m. For that price, he could be viewed as an early replacement for O’Hare who has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer.

“We’re excited to welcome Jack to Coventry City. He is a talented player with great technical ability, who is adept at getting the ball and driving teams forward and creating opportunities,” said City boss Mark Robins.

“Jack is a young player who we are sure will be popular with our supporters. We are looking forward to welcoming him to the club and to him continuing his development with us.”

Rudoni added: "I am very happy. As soon as I heard of the interest, I was buzzing. I spoke to the manager and his staff and I got a great vibe and a sense of drive from everyone here, and that's what I am about. This is a great fit for me and I am so happy to be here.

"I was aware that there was interest from a while ago but this summer it feels that interest has grown. "It was clear to see as soon as I started talking to the club that this was the place for me to be to move forward with my career. I can't wait to get started."

O’Hare made 31 appearances in the Championship last term, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Overall, he has played 182 times for the Sky Blues with 22 goals and 30 assists and Hutton believes O’Hare would be a suitable addition at Leeds. He is available on a free transfer as his contract is up with at the CBS Arena at the end of his month, giving the Whites the chance to swoop for a bargain move as they seek to keep in line with profit and sustainability regulations.

“He fits the bill that Leeds like, he’s an exciting player,” Hutton told Football Insider. “Especially if they’re going to lose somebody like [Crysencio] Summerville or [Georginio] Rutter who could possibly be leaving this summer as well.

“They’re going to need to bring somebody in to replace these guys. I know Callum O’Hare well, I’ve played alongside him when I was at Villa. He’s very technically gifted, he’s got an eye for a pass and he can score goals, and he’s still at a good age and he’s got experience at this level. I think that is something Leeds are definitely looking at and he suits them well.”

O’Hare started his career with Villa and made his senior debut in 2017. He never managed to establish a regular spot, as he was loaned out to Carlisle United and Coventry, before signing a permanent deal with the Sky Blues in 2020. Premier League outfit West Ham are also said to be interested.