Leeds United 'lack control' over Pascal Struijk as contract ultimatum possible

Leeds United want to reach a resolution with Pascal Struijk on their agenda, as the player holds all the cards over his own future.

The centre-back's deal at Elland Road expires next summer, and the Whites do not want to let him go for nothing in just over 12 months time.

Leeds have spent time and patience with Struijk, watching him develop into the full capable Premier League player that he is today.

Daniel Farke sees the Dutchman as an important cog to his three centre-back formation, and would like to keep him for the long-term future.

However, it's not known if the 26-year-old would like to sign new terms with the Whites or not, with clubs across Europe paying attention to the situation.

The ball is in Struijk's court, and all Leeds can do at this point is offer him a rewarding new deal that he won't be able to turn down,

Leeds United will sell Pascal Struijk before summer deadline if new contract isn't agreed

There has been speculation over Struijk's future for months, and with pre-season fast approaching, a conclusion needs to be reached.

The former Ajax youth star has racked up 198 appearances for the Whites since joining in June of 2018, and the 49ers are completely against the idea of watching him leave as a free agent after all these years.

According to The Athletic, it's clear that Leeds will have to sell the defender before the summer window deadline at 11pm UK time on 1 September to get a good fee, if contract talks end in no extended stay.

It's said that Leeds "lack control" in the situation, which suggests that Struijk may end up trying to find a new challenge, even if he is offered improved terms.

Who could Leeds replace Pascal Struijk with?

Regardless of whether Struijk stays or not, Leeds are keen to add another central defender to their ranks this summer.

Danilho Doekhi of Union Berlin has been a long-admired target in LS11, as the Dutchman looks set to become a free agent.

In more ambitious transfer news, Leeds have been linked with Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande, for a fee that could total over £43million.

The Ivorian could be the potential Struijk replacement, as Leeds would still be able to get a healthy fee for the latter if they were to sell him this summer.

That could then go towards the purchase of Diomande, who has plenty of years left to continue improving.