Leeds United are in the market for a centre-back after agreeing to sell Pascal Struijk to Premier League rivals Brighton this summer.
Pascal Struijk’s decision not to sign a new contract has prompted Leeds United to reach a verbal agreement with Brighton over his sale during the summer transfer window.
Leeds are set to receive an initial fee of £15m from the Dutch defender’s departure, and Brighton have agreed to pay another £3m in add-ons based on performances and appearances.
The Whites are firmly in the market for a centre-back, and are assessing several options. Leeds are now poised to put in a bid for a La Liga centre-back.
Leeds United prepare bid for Real Betis defender Natan
Daniel Farke wants to bring in a left-footed defender who can play out from the back to replace Struijk in the Leeds team next season.
Leeds have been heavily linked with a move for Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci, who is said to be the first-choice to replace Struijk at Elland Road.
However, Leeds have other options and claims in Spain suggest that they are about to put in a substantial bid for Real Betis centre-back Natan.
According to Noticias Betis, Leeds are poised to table a bid worth £30m for the Real Betis defender in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The club are working on the offer, and the bid is imminent as they push to sign the Brazilian centre-back this summer.
However, Real Betis are expected to demand more money and will hold out for a bigger offer before agreeing to sell the centre-back.
Leeds may have to break their transfer record to sign Natan as Betis want somewhere around the £38m mark this summer.
The Real Betis star fits what Leeds want
Daniel Farke does not want to impact the balance of his team, which is one reason he wants Struijk to be replaced by a defender of similar profile.
Natan is a left-footed centre-back who can play in both a four and a three-man defence, and can play out from the back with his cultured passing.
The Brazilian is also a physical defender, which means he is unlikely to find it hard to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League if he joins Leeds.
He will still need time to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity, but there are clear reasons why Leeds are eyeing a deal for him this summer.
Natan looks like the ideal fit if Leeds decide to bring in a player from outside the Premier League to replace Struijk.
