After surpassing expectations and securing a 14th-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League, Leeds United have already turned their attention to improving the squad for next season.
Daniel Farke is eager to see the club back his ambitions in the transfer market, with several areas of the team identified as needing extra quality.
Leeds’ recruitment staff have already compiled a list of potential targets, and preparations are well underway behind the scenes as the club gears up for what could be a busy summer window.
The club are almost certain to sign a new striker. However, it seems one of their targets has already poured cold water over the possibility of moving to Elland Road.
Ermedin Demirovic reveals his transfer plans
Leeds have been linked with a move for VfB Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.
His performances have led to interest from several clubs, including Leeds, who are considering making a move for him in the upcoming transfer window.
However, the Stuttgart striker has indicated that he would only leave the club for a bigger team who are involved at the biggest stage of European football.
He stressed that a club would have to be in a better position than Stuttgart for him to move on from the German club in the upcoming summer window.
He told German daily the Stuttgarter Nachrichten: “I’ve played in the DFB Cup final two years in a row, I’ve played in the Champions League and the Europa League, and I’ll be playing in the Champions League again next season.
“Everything in my life is ‘top’ right now.
“So many wonderful things have happened since I joined VfB Stuttgart.
“You’d have to find a better top club than VfB.
“It’s not so easy to find a top club where I would be better off than here.”
Leeds will have to look at more attainable targets
Demirovic has more or less made it clear that he would not leave Stuttgart this season for a club of Leeds’ size, who are nowhere close to European football at the moment.
Leeds are still in the market for a striker, but it seems the Stuttgart forward is beyond their reach in the upcoming summer window.
The Whites will have to look at other targets, but still ensure that he has the required quality to either partner Calvert-Lewin up front or replace him.
Strikers are expensive, and Leeds may have to pay a significant fee to get a player of the required quality.
