---
title: "Leeds: Pete O’Rourke makes Whites transfer claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-pete-orourke-makes-whites-transfer-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Follow up"
published: "2022-04-16T08:40:09Z"
modified: "2022-04-16T08:40:09Z"
---

# Leeds: Pete O’Rourke makes Whites transfer claim

**Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made an off-field Leeds United transfer claim involving Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta, [GiveMeSport](https://www.givemesport.com/87995710-leeds-talks-ongoing-right-now-at-elland-road-involving-orta-and-marsch) report.**

### The Lowdown: Relegation battle

The Whites have made good progress in recent weeks under Marsch, picking up 10 points from a possible 12. Wins over Norwich, Wolves and Watford have left Leeds [nine](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) points clear of the bottom three with just six games to go.

[![Latest Leeds United updates!](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg)](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates/)

Despite the club not knowing what division they’ll be playing in next season, it looks as if Leeds chiefs are already making a head start on their transfer plans.

### The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Marsch and Orta [met](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/adam-pope-leeds-transfer-meeting-marsch-orta/) last week prior to the win at Watford to discuss the profile of players they want to target this summer.

O’Rourke, talking to [GiveMeSport after that news](https://www.givemesport.com/87995710-leeds-talks-ongoing-right-now-at-elland-road-involving-orta-and-marsch), had this to say about the club’s off-field plans, believing everyone is on the same page. He believes ‘talks are ongoing right now’ ahead of the summer window, name-checking Marsch and Orta as being ‘heavily involved’.

> “Everybody is sort of singing from the same tune right now to try and improve this Leeds United side now they’re looking closer and closer to safety in the Premier League.
>
> “I’m sure talks are ongoing right now to see where they’re going to bolster the squad in the transfer market this summer with Orta and Jesse Marsch both heavily involved.”

\[freshpress-poll id=”392511″\]

### The Verdict: What areas need bolstering?

[Reports](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10685631/Kalvin-Phillips-ready-commit-long-term-future-Leeds-despite-rivals.html) have suggested that Orta could be a busy man this summer ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

Leeds [expect](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10685631/Kalvin-Phillips-ready-commit-long-term-future-Leeds-despite-rivals.html) to lose Raphinha, who has been heavily [linked](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1586355/Barcelona-very-advanced-Raphinha-agent-Liverpool-Chelsea-premier-league-news) with a move to Barcelona, but could bring in a new [winger, striker, central midfielder and full-back](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10685631/Kalvin-Phillips-ready-commit-long-term-future-Leeds-despite-rivals.html).

Marsch inherited a [small squad](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/kader/verein/399) from Marcelo Bielsa, and despite a number of promising U23’s coming through at Thorp Arch, senior additions appear to be needed as Leeds look to ensure they aren’t in a relegation battle next year, providing they guarantee a third season in the Premier League over the coming weeks.

***In other news: [‘Big’ – Journalist excited by who Orta and Marsch may now ‘bring’ to Leeds this summer.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-pete-orourke-makes-sergino-dest-claim/)***