Leeds United are in the market for centre-backs this summer due to the departure of Pascal Struijk, who joined Brighton last week.
The Whites were ultimately left disappointed by the deal to sell Pascal Struijk, with suggestions that the centre-back pushed for the move, which weakened Leeds’ negotiating position.
However, Leeds are looking for left-footed centre-backs who could replace Struijk, and Wolves’ Ladislav Krejci has emerged as the preferred target for the club.
But the club are also keen to bring in one more centre-back, and the club are nearing a deal to bring in a highly experienced centre-back who is admired by Daniel Farke.
Leeds United closing in on a deal for Nico Elvedi
Nico Elvedi is preparing for Switzerland’s World Cup last 16 clash against Colombia this week. However, his future is being sorted out behind the scenes.
The defender is keen on a move to the Premier League and Leeds, and Daniel Farke, who coached him at Borussia Monchengladbach, is pushing to take him to Elland Road.
But Gladbach, who would prefer to hold on to him, rejected an initial bid of just over £7m from Leeds for the 29-year-old centre-back and are keen to get more money out of a deal.
However, sources have told The Leeds Press that the Whites are now close to finalising a deal to bring the centre-back to Elland Road this summer.
Gladbach are aware that it would be hard to convince Elvedi to stay, and an offer of around £8.5m is likely to be enough to get him out of the German club.
Leeds are working on a deal, and negotiations are ongoing as they push to secure an agreement to take the 29-year-old centre-back to Elland Road.
Coventry City are also interested in Elvedi, which has further pushed Leeds to try and finalise a deal to sign him soon.
He is not a direct replacement for Pascal Struijk
The 29-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience and an impressive CV. Standing at 6ft 2in, Elvedi combines his physical presence with excellent composure on the ball, finishing last season with a 93 per cent pass completion rate while also making 325 clearances.
Although he is naturally right-footed and is not a like-for-like replacement for the departed Pascal Struijk, his versatility is a major strength. Elvedi is comfortable playing anywhere across the back line, making him an attractive option for Daniel Farke.
Whether Leeds line up with a back four or switch to a three-man defence, his mobility, reading of the game and calmness in possession should make him well suited to the demands of Premier League football.
