Leeds progress Milinkovic-Savic transfer with clause payout close
Leeds may have found their new goalkeeper in Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
The Whites are set in their ways on signing a new number one after Illan Meslier’s inconsistent form last season, which saw him dropped by Daniel Farke.
Leeds have already brought in plenty of defensive reinforcements ahead of the start of the Premier League and look to be prioritising a goalkeeper before adding to their attack.
Leeds to consider paying Milinkovic-Savic’s release clause
Meslier lost his starting place to Karl Darlow towards the end of last season.
The Frenchman has been linked with a move away this summer, with Farke almost certain to replace him.
Torino’s Milinkovic-Savic has been identified by the 49ers as the Whites’ potential new number one, with talks now progressing overnight.
According to Football Italia (8 July), Leeds are considering paying the Serbian’s release clause, which is said to exceed £17.2million for English clubs.
The 28-year-old is on the radar of Napoli, but the Italians are yet to make a formal enquiry.
Napoli do have the advantage that, should they make a move, they will pay less than Leeds, with Milinkovic-Savic’s release clause lower for Serie A clubs.
Torino are under no pressure to sell Milinkovic-Savic, who is under contract until 2026, with the Italian club having an option to extend for a further year.
The Serbian impressed last season, saving four penalty kicks and conceding 42 goals in 37 Serie A appearances.
Leeds can’t afford to miss out on another signing this summer
While they will have alternative targets, Leeds can’t afford to miss out on Milinkovic-Savic this summer.
| Club | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torino | 158 | 163 | 52 |
| Lechia Gdansk | 29 | 32 | 8 |
| Vojvodina | 19 | 22 | 7 |
The Whites have already missed out on Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki after they joined fellow promoted side Sunderland, so they don’t need another kick to the teeth.
It would be a tough ask for Farke’s side to convince the keeper to join over Napoli, with their top-flight status not guaranteed, but money talks.
However, the 49ers have shown positive strides in trying to give Leeds the best chance of staying up next season.
They have brought in solid defensive options and have added to their attack with the signing of Lukas Nmecha, with more new transfers to follow.
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