Leeds United are expected to strengthen their defence further despite completing the £34m signing of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo last week.
The Bosnia international became the second-most expensive player in the club’s history when he sealed his move to Elland Road on Friday, giving Daniel Farke the commanding centre-back he had been searching for following Pascal Struijk’s departure to Brighton.
But Leeds’ business at the back is unlikely to end there. With Sebastiaan Bornauw expected to leave this summer, the Whites are already looking at bringing in another central defender, and an elite free agent has emerged as a serious target.
However, the Whites are set to face stiff competition for this defender who has won everything that could be won in club football.
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Convincing players to buy into the club’s project is becoming a major part of Leeds United’s recruitment strategy.
Last summer, the promise of Premier League football helped them attract the likes of Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach. This time around, Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic have also been persuaded that Elland Road is the right place for the next stage of their careers.
That approach is now being tested again. Leeds remain in the race for Shea Charles, James Trafford and Julian Brandt, despite all three attracting strong interest from elsewhere.
They are also hoping it can work with John Stones. The England international is available on a free transfer this summer, and Leeds are keen to convince him that a move to Elland Road is the right one.
Arsenal are also looking at the England defender as an elite cost-effective option this summer, and according to The Athletic, the centre-back is also on Chelsea’s shortlist.
Stones has left Manchester City after spending a decade winning several major trophies and the treble. He is looking for a new club after impressing for England at the World Cup.
Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea are prepared to change their transfer strategy and target older players to add experience to a very young squad at Stamford Bridge.
Stones is seen as an elite defender who could add experience and a winning mentality to a Chelsea team that finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
Signing John Stones would be a major statement
Leeds United could be an attractive destination for Stones. Born in Yorkshire, the defender may be tempted by the chance to return closer to home, and Elland Road would offer exactly that.
The Whites have already shown plenty of ambition in the transfer market this summer. They beat competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Benfica to sign Harry Wilson, demonstrating that the club’s project is carrying real weight with players.
Their talks with Julian Brandt’s father earlier this week are another indication that the 49ers are thinking big as they look to establish Leeds in the Premier League.
The biggest obstacle is likely to be wages, with Stones having earned significantly more at Manchester City. Even so, a move to Elland Road should not be dismissed, as Leeds have already shown they can attract players who once appeared beyond their reach.
