Leeds United in pole position for Kerim Alajbegovic amid latest developments from Roma

Leeds United’s chances of signing Bayer Leverkusen star Kerim Alajbegovic have surely increased.

The Whites were understood to be battling with Italian side Roma for the 18-year-old winger’s services.

The Bosnian was understood to be pushing for a transfer to the Serie A side, despite only resigning for the Germans in March, but that is now in doubt.

That could open the door for Daniel Farke’s side to swoop in and steal a march on the Giallorossi.

Leeds may now lead the race for Alajbegovic after recent changes involving the sporting structure at the Stadio Olimpico.

Why Leeds are now favourites for Alajbegovic signature

Leeds target Alajbegovic is valued at approximately £17.2million by the German outfit, who he will officially join again on 1 July and are open to a sale.

A report from Filippo Biafora on Radio Manà Manà claims that Gian Piero Gasperini is holding back on a deal, wanting a different option.

The departure of sporting director Frederic Massara, who was heavily involved in the pursuit of the youngster, means that their plans have changed.

If their manager does not want the winger, who had 17 goals and assists last season, then it puts the Peacocks in pole position to add him to their squad this summer.

What would Alajbegovic signing mean at Leeds?

If Alajbegovic is signed, it would spell danger for the likes of Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto, in terms of their status at the club. 

The Leverkusen gem notched 13 goals in all competitions for RB Salzburg, which would put him second on the LS11 clubs ranks, with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring more with 14.

He also bagged four assists, that would rank him second at Elland Road, with only Brenden Aaronson getting more, with five.

That suggests that he would be a brilliant addition to the Yorkshire outfit’s attack, capable of getting the numbers required to boost them up the Premier League table, beyond just battling for survival.

If they can convince him that LS11 is the right place for his career, they could secure an upgrade which would see the Welshman and the Italian sweating on their futures.

That remains to be seen, but given the situation in the Italian capital, it is very encouraging for Farke’s side’s chances of signing him, and pulling off a real coup.