How Leeds United could prevent Jacob Widell Zetterstrom joining Derby County in Austria

Leeds United could potentially derail Derby County's pre-season preparations as their interest in Jacob Widell Zetterstrom continues.

Zetterstrom is one of a few goalkeepers to have been touted as options for Leeds this summer.

Due to the uncertainty over Karl Darlow, who is now a free agent and deliberating over multiple offers, Daniel Farke needs a new keeper.

Zion Suzuki is considered to be Leeds' top choice, but striking a deal for the Japan international will not be easy.

Zetterstrom could well be next on the list after impressing for Derby last season and then for Sweden at the World Cup.

Should Leeds step up their interest over the next week, it could impact Derby's own plans.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom set for Derby return next week - or is he?

Zetterstrom is being given a few weeks off between Sweden's World Cup exit and his return to pre-season.

That is the norm for players who are competing in the global showpiece and falls in line with FIFA regulations.

All going well for Derby, Zetterstrom will join up with the squad for their training camp in Austria, which runs from 18 to 25 July.

However, The Derby Telegraph's print edition on Thursday suggests that Zetterstrom may not link up with the Rams abroad if Leeds firm up their interest.

That, you would imagine, would mean a bid being lodged for the 27-year-old.

And the fee Leeds would have to hand over for in-demand Zetterstrom is already known.

Would Zetterstrom be worth reported asking price?

A previous report suggested Derby want £10m+ for Zetterstrom from Leeds or any other interested parties.

Once upon a time that would be an astronomical sum for a Championship goalkeeper, but not any more.

There are plenty of metrics used to judge the quality of a goalkeeper, with Zetterstrom performing better in certain areas.

One obvious category is save percentage, which the Swede ranks eighth in among Championship goalkeepers last season with 71 per cent.

But Leeds clearly see something in Zetterstrom and they will need to make a decision one way or another before long.

Ultimately, £10m is not a crazy sum, especially if Zetterstrom could also act as back-up to someone like Suzuki next season.