Why Leeds United want to speed up Oumar Solet deal amid £21.3m developments

Leeds United look set to accelerate their plans to sign Oumar Solet.

The Udinese defender has been mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Pascal Struijk who left to join Brighton.

Contact has reportedly already been made with his entourage over a potential move to Elland Road.

MOT Leeds News has previously covered the talks between Solet's representative and Leeds.

Now, it looks like Daniel Farke's side are pushing to get a deal done for the Frenchman.

The reasoning for the urgency to get him in the Thorp Arch doors is complex.

Why are Leeds pushing for a quick deal for Oumar Solet?

Italian reports suggest that the Whites are leading the race for the former Red Bull Salzburg man.

Messaggero Veneto claimed on Tuesday that the player seems to be edging closer to a move to England's top-flight.

It states that they are willing to offer £21.3million to fend off interest from Inter Milan and Juventus.

The Whites are understood to consider the 26-year-old as a priority as they seek a replacement for Struijk, who was a key part of the team.

It makes sense that they are trying to close a deal quickly, as Solet would be a very good signing, and the clubs that they are against are some of the biggest in the game.

If they can strike fast and beat them to his signature, it could be a massive statement, especially as he was described as "phenomenal" by La Gazetta dello Sport in his early days in Italy.

What do Solet's numbers say about his ability?

Solet's numbers from last season's Serie A campaign are impressive, he averaged 8.12 defensive contributions per game, according to Fotmob data.

He completed 2.28 tackles, 5.17 recoveries and 3.80 clearances per 90 minutes.

In terms of duels, he won 59.6 per cent on the ground and 54.3 per cent on the ground, which are solid numbers in one of Europe's top-five leagues.

The defender also fits the bill from an attacking standpoint, as he notched three league goals and one assist.

It is no surprise why Farke's side see him as a potential candidate for their gaping hole at centre-back, he looks a player who could slot in very nicely in LS11.

Only time will tell whether a deal is reached, but the latest update is very encouraging for the Peacocks.