Graham Smyth: Ezgjan Alioski still in contract talks with Leeds United
Leeds United remain in talks with Ezgjan Alioski over a new contract at Elland Road, according to Graham Smyth.
Reports had suggested that the North Macedonian international had agreed to a pre-contract with Galatasaray over the past couple of months.
The Yorkshire Evening Post have shut down those rumours, suggesting that those reports are “inaccurate” as his contract goes into the final month.
It appears as though there is still hope.
The offer has been on the table and remains unsigned, so it appears as though he hasn’t yet rejected it fully at Elland Road.
Alioski admitted after the clash against West Brom that his future was uncertain, as he didn’t get the send off that Gaetano Berardi and Pablo Hernandez got.
It was heroic and the Macedonian was included in both of the farewells, as he applauded both and then the fans going around the pitch.
Hint.
Stuart Dallas had a few well-deserved drinks at the recent awards night on Sunday, and let it slip that Alioski would be leaving.
It appears as though Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta are trying their best to make sure that doesn’t happen though, with the Spaniard even sitting down with the defender.
Alioski may not be the most talented of footballers, but his engine is perfect for the Bielsa madness, you won’t find many players fitter than him.
The European Championships certainly complicate things, so if it isn’t sorted before that starts, it could be time to start waving goodbye.
New contract or not, the Whites need someone who can nail down that left-back spot in the Premier League, and also in Europe in years to come hopefully.
Alioski or not, we’re moving forward.
In other Leeds United news, Confirmed: The Whites have released retained list, seven professional deals dumped