Why Leeds United now look primed for bargain Julian Brandt capture amid 'significant' shift
Leeds United's pursuit of free agent attacker Julian Brandt may have just ramped up a notch.
MOT Leeds News first reported on Leeds' interest in ex-Borussia Dortmund star Brandt in June.
The 30-year-old is available on a Bosman after leaving Dortmund at the end of last season.
Brandt has spent his entire 13-year senior career in the Bundesliga, but now wants to challenge himself elsewhere.
Leeds are not alone in showing an interest, with heavyweight clubs elsewhere on the continent also eager to pounce.
But it looks like the Whites may have an advantage over the other clubs also mentioned so far.
Julian Brandt has one destination in mind
Serie A pair Juventus and Roma are two of the other teams interested in Brandt.
However, as per Gianluca Di Marzio late on Thursday evening, Brandt wants to move to the Premier League.
The report states that not only does the versatile attacking midfielder's future look "distant" from Germany, but also from Italy.
The English top flight is now said to be the most likely destination for Brandt amid a "significant change" in negotiations.
While Leeds aren't specifically named in this latest report, it is mentioned that Premier League teams are now making their moves for Brandt.
And it is clear, beyond the obvious fact he is available for nothing, why teams want to snap up the 48-cap Germany international.
What would Brandt bring to Leeds?
The fact a highly experienced player of Brandt's quality, albeit with none in the Premier League, is available on a free makes this one worth pursuing.
Brandt would provide Daniel Farke with a rotation option in multiple forward positions.
He is predominantly used through the middle and scored seven times in the Bundesliga last season, while contributing four assists.
Once hailed as "outstanding" by Dortmund colleague Nico Schlotterbeck, Brandt is now in the prime of his career in terms of his age.
It really is a no-lose situation for Leeds, but the Whites know they will not have a free run at his signature.