What comes next for Leeds United as Pascal Struijk replacement plans shift after Danilho Doekhi twist

Leeds United had Danilho Doekhi as a potential target this summer after Pascal Struijk's departure.

The Whites sanctioned the exit of their centre-back after a seven-season stay that saw him help the club get back to the Premier League twice.

Struijk has joined Brighton on a long-term deal that will see Paraag Marathe and Co. pocket around £20million, if all possible add-ons are met.

The Dutchman was entering his final 12 months at Elland Road, and after expressing his desire for a new challenge, the 49ers only had the option left but to cash in early this summer.

Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande has been linked to LS11, as has Switzerland international Nico Elvedi, but another defender has been tipped to arrive in recent months.

That man is Doekhi, but Leeds may have to face up to a new hurdle in their pursuit of the free agent.

Leeds target Danilho Doekhi in contact with Euro club

Leeds first wanted Doekhi in the winter window, but they had an idea he would be available this summer.

Union Berlin recently confirmed that the 28-year-old left the club after the expiration of his contract, with him now a free agent to explore his next challenge.

However, Leeds Live warned that the Whites would face competition this summer for the defender.

As reported by Matteo Moretto this Sunday, a colleague of Fabrizio Romano's, Serie A side Lazio have made contact with Doekhi ahead of a possible transfer.

Marathe has already admitted that Leeds will take a look into the free agent market once again this summer, and that's already been backed up with the signing of Harry Wilson.

However, it would be a big miss for the Whites to miss out on someone of Doekhi's quality, especially when funds are going to other areas of the squad.

What are Leeds' next moves?

Leeds will have to move fast if they still want to sign Doekhi, though there's also a chance that they already know his wage demands.

Alternatively, the Whites may not have made any contact so far, but this is an incentive for them to make a move, if ever.

Leeds are now being linked with a move for Tarik Muharemovic, and the Sassuolo defender could be their back-up plan.

The only negative is that they would have to pay a fee for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who enjoyed a great individual World Cup campaign.