Noel Whelan is confident that Leeds United will spend up to £100m this summer as they look to go up another level in the Premier League.

The Whites have enjoyed a good first season back in the top flight, currently occupying 11th place in the table and arguably never looking relegation-threatened.

Marcelo Bielsa will know that he can't afford to rest on his laurels, however, with new signings expected to be made in the summer transfer window.

The hope will be that Leeds can jump from being a mid-table team to pushing towards the European places in 2021/22, but only with reinforcements will that be likely to happen.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040"]

Whelan expects Leeds to spend big this summer

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds striker Whelan said he firmly believes the plan is to spend up to £100m in order to meet those aforementioned goals. He said:

"I’ve heard about this big investment from the 49ers. That’s not gone on the field, it’s gone to balance the books and cover expenses.

"So the losses don’t worry me. Everyone’s posting big losses. Some are going to be double ours, quite frankly.

"I don’t think it will have much impact on transfer plans in the summer.

"The board realise they are going to have to spend £80-100m each season if they are going to be successful, if they are going to break into that top six. That’s the plan."

Transfer Tavern take

This summer feels like a pivotal one at Elland Road, with Leeds in a position where they can really push on, assuming they do the right business.

Failure to build upon this strong campaign but would be hugely disappointing, but having funds available to make new signings should only be a good thing for the Whites.

In other news, one pundit has made a big claim ahead of Leeds' clash with Fulham on Friday night. Read more here.