Leeds United have stepped up their efforts to strengthen at centre-back this summer, with replacing Pascal Struijk high on Daniel Farke’s list of priorities.
The Dutch defender joined Brighton at the end of last month in a deal worth up to £18m. While many supporters felt the fee was lower than his true value, Leeds felt they had little alternative.
Once it became clear Struijk had no intention of signing a new contract, the club opted to sell him, with the deal also helping to improve their PSR position before the end of June.
Leeds have been working on several defensive targets at the same time, but one player has now emerged as the standout candidate to replace Struijk at Elland Road this summer.
Beren Cross provides update on centre-back chase
The noise around Leeds United’s interest in Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic has been growing louder, with reports from Italy pointing towards a potential deal.
Reports in Italy suggest Leeds are in advanced talks with the representatives of Muharemovic and are understood to have agreed to meet the 23-year-old’s wage demands.
With personal terms unlikely to be an obstacle, the Whites are expected to submit their opening bid for the defender later today.
Now the Athletic’s Leeds United reporter Beren Cross has provided his take on Leeds’ pursuit of the centre-back this summer.
He insisted that while Leeds are interested in the 23-year-old defender, there is nothing imminent and no advanced negotiations are taking place.
He wrote: “Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic is one name on Leeds United’s shortlist. The Premier League outfit are keen to add at least one centre-back this summer, and the 23-year-old is among those who fit the bill.
“Elland Road sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, say Muharemovic is liked, but no prospective deal has gone further than that. Sources at Sassuolo indicate the club expects it will be difficult to retain the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, especially if Premier League clubs make an approach.
“Muharemovic is a 6ft 4in left-footed centre-back with a consistent record of blocking shots, making clearances and contesting lots of aerial duels.”
Leeds United need to move fast on Tarik Muharemovic
At the moment, all the updates surrounding Leeds’ pursuit of Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic are coming out of Italy as the transfer gathers pace.
Adam Pope has insisted that no deal is imminent, and now Beren Cross is insisting that Leeds are yet to make a concrete move for Muharemovic.
However, Leeds need to move fast if they are really interested in the defender, as Sunderland and Bournemouth are also pushing to sign him.
Leeds cannot afford to waste time, especially with Premier League rivals able to offer something they currently cannot: European football.
Leeds need to secure the player’s commitment as soon as possible before turning their attention to agreeing a fee with Sassuolo, who are holding out for around £34m.
