Why Leeds move for Julian Brandt is at critical stage amid 'significant' update

Leeds United may be in now-or-never territory when it comes to signing Julian Brandt.

The midfielder is one of the hottest free agents around after leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season.

Brandt is as experienced as they come, having spent 13 seasons in the Bundesliga - 12 of those as a regular starter.

He has also earned 48 caps for Germany since his senior debut a decade ago.

MOT Leeds News reported earlier on Saturday that Leeds have now offered a three-year deal to Brandt.

And Leeds could do with the 30-year-old making a decision sooner rather than later amid another update.

One obstacle stands between Leeds and Julian Brandt deal

That earlier report outlined how Brandt is "fascinated" by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

The midfielder has spent his entire career to date in his German homeland.

Sky Sports reported pretty much the same later on Saturday, though added that Leeds are aware of "potentially significant" interest elsewhere in Brandt.

Brandt is also said to be eager to play in Serie A, but no offers have been forthcoming from Italy just yet.

Leeds will therefore know how critical these coming days - possibly even hours - will be as right now they are the clear frontrunners.

That could all change in an instant, though, if that "significant" interest in Italy becomes more concrete.

Why Brandt has gained plenty of admirers in Germany

Brandt has earned praise for just how consistent he has been over more than a decade now.

He was a regular for Bayer Leverkusen at a very young age and has showed no signs of slowing.

Marco Reus hailed his then-Dortmund teammate an "exceptional" player in the past, while Nico Schlotterbeck praised his all-round ability.

Brandt is still good enough, and indeed young enough, to play regularly at the top level.

While it is true he may need to adapt to a new league, bringing in a player of this quality for free would be one of the biggest coups of the summer.

Let's just hope a spanner is not thrown into the works by a club in Serie A.