Saints 'already planning' for exit of £25m-rated Leeds-linked stopper

Reported Leeds United target Aaron Ramsdale appears to have edged closer to leaving Southampton this summer as reports emerge of the south coast club's interest in a likely replacement.

- by Harriet Sutton

Ramsdale first emerged as a possible summer target for Leeds in March, with the expectation being Daniel Farke will want a new first-choice goalkeeper for his side's return to the Premier League.

The German dropped Illan Meslier for Karl Darlow with just seven games remaining and a first-team comeback appears unlikely for the Frenchman.

TEAMtalk and several other reports since have detailed the presence of a release clause worth around £25 million in Ramsdale's contract, which is now active following confirmation of Southampton's relegation back to the Championship. And it appears St Mary's chiefs are already putting plans in place to find his replacement.