Leeds United in pole position to sign Elvedi as approaches made
Leeds United are confident they can win the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, according to TEAMtalk.
The news outlet’s report (1 January) suggests the Whites lead Wolves in the charge to acquire the 28-year-old, who has previously worked with Daniel Farke at Gladbach and could depart the Bundesliga side after 10 years [GiveMeSport, 31 December].
Farke is, however, reportedly content with the squad he already has at his disposal at Elland Road which could delay a move for Elvedi until it becomes more viable in the summer, though the odd departure may open the field to arrivals.
Leeds United want Elvedi but could hold off on deal
According to TEAMtalk’s report, Elvedi is valued at around the £10million mark, a bold deal to which a Championship club could commit in January.
However, Farke has been keen on players he has previously worked with, and within the past few months the Whites have been linked with his former Norwich City stars such as Josh Sargent and more recently Aston Villa playmaker Emi Buendia [TEAMtalk, 31 December].
Elvedi is a centre-half who can also operate at right-back, the exact kind of profile his former coach could possibly need away at Hull City (4 January) with Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram having both been withdrawn against Blackburn Rovers (1 January).
It is unclear whether Farke is true to his own word when he admits Leeds may not be too active in the winter market, given his obvious frustration in the latter stages of the summer window at being unable to adequately supply his squad options.
The line could have come from the top, and while the German has been relatively fortunate with his squad’s overall injury record – Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu aside – an acquisition like Elvedi in January could provide the exact defensive depth needed to get over the line this season.
In other Leeds news, an incident between Willy Gnonto and Patrick Bamford “baffles” some.
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