Overview

• Leeds are the leading contenders prepared to trigger the reported £24.5 million release clause and to cover associated taxes and solidarity contributions
• Newcastle United have held preliminary talks with El Khannouss’s representatives but paused any formal offer while seeking detailed clarification of the clause
• Leicester’s relegation has increased the 21-year-old’s willingness to leave and he underlined his quality with two assists in the 2-1 Championship opener
• The release clause is understood to expire on August 15, creating intense urgency among interested clubs to complete negotiations
• Newcastle’s struggles in the transfer window, having only signed Anthony Elanga so far, have heightened their interest in cost-effective attacking reinforcements like El Khannouss