Leeds United handed boost in pursuit of FC Koln ace Dejan Ljubicic after his recent comments
Leeds United are in dire need of midfield reinforcement this summer. The Whites narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion last term and will no doubt want to try their luck again.
The West Yorkshire outfit’s midfield was arguably one of the strongest areas of their team last team with a central duo often applying pressure in attack as well as alleviating some defensive pressure.
Archie Gray and Glen Kamara have both exited Elland Road this season which has left a gaping void in the middle of Leeds’ park.
Bournemouth ace Joe Rothwell has already been added to their ranks but another arrival is needed to ensure that there’s enough cover for the season.
This is why it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Daniel Farke has just had a bid rejected for defensive midfielder, Dejan Ljubicic [Nancy Froston, 25 July].
Not only does this show that the Whites are currently exploring the market for midfield reinforcement but it also shows that the club has some money to spend.
And, in an interview that was released on 24 July, the day before news broke of Leeds’ interest, Ljubicic admitted that football is a “fast-moving business” and hinted that anything could happen.
“I am here and I am concentrating on the essentials, namely that I am performing well again. I just want to give it my all in training and offer myself to the new coach. That is the only thing that counts at the moment,” he said to Liga Zwei.
“Football is a fast-moving business. I am in contact with those responsible and my contract with FC runs until 2025 – I am here and I am happy.”
Dejan Ljubicic would be a stellar acquisition for Leeds United this summer
As Ljubicic mentioned himself, his current contract only runs until 2025. This means that should his terms expire at the end of the season, he will be allowed to leave on a free transfer.
This could then allow Leeds to offer a lower amount than what would usually be required as Koln would no doubt rather make some money on the Austria international rather than lose him for free next summer.
The Whites have already been reported to have a new bid lined up [Bild Rhineland, 26 July, Page 14] for the midfielder this summer as they look to bolster their ranks.
Although a plethora of names have been linked with a move to West Yorkshire this summer, Ljubicic’s is one that could be seen as the most likely to happen due to his value.
Nothing is yet set in stone but this will certainly be one to keep an eye on over summer.
In other Leeds news, the Whites’ recruitment chiefs have held behind-the-scenes talks in Germany.
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