Leeds United remain in the market for a new centre-back following Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton earlier this summer.
The Whites were reluctant to part with the Dutchman, but once it became clear he would not commit to a new contract, they decided to cash in. The need to strengthen their PSR position before the end of June also played a significant role in the decision.
Although there has been talk of Daniel Farke switching back to a back four next season, reinforcing the heart of the defence is still one of the club’s main priorities.
Replacing Struijk is near the top of Leeds’ transfer wishlist, and Farke would have liked a new centre-back through the door before pre-season preparations gather pace.
However, the club are confident they are closing in on signing the ideal replacement for Struijk this summer.
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Leeds United make contract offer to 23-year-old defender
Daniel Farke is pushing to bring in a defender with a profile similar to Pascal Struijk, and the club are working on finalising a deal.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Leeds United’s interest in Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic over the weekend, and reiterated the competition for his signature.
It also emerged that Leeds may have to break their transfer record to sign him. However, the Whites seemed to have identified him as their top target and are going full throttle to sign him.
The Italian journalist has also revealed that Leeds are in discussions with the 23-year-old defender’s representatives and have already made a verbal contract offer.
They will soon hold negotiations with Sassuolo and are growing confident of getting a deal over the line to take Muharemovic to Elland Road this summer.
Leeds are confident that they can secure an agreement to sign the centre-back before the end of the week.
Tarik Muharemovic suits what Leeds United need
Daniel Farke is keen to replace Pascal Struijk with a defender of a similar profile, having relied heavily on the Dutchman over the past few seasons.
The Leeds boss wants a left-footed centre-back who is comfortable playing out from the back, dominant in the air and capable of fitting seamlessly into his style of football. Tarik Muharemovic ticks many of those boxes.
The 23-year-old enhanced his reputation with an impressive season in Italy and also caught the eye with a series of assured performances for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup.
With Sunderland also interested in signing him and Juventus entitled to 50 per cent of any future profit from his sale, Sassuolo are expected to play hardball in negotiations.
However, Leeds seem determined to get this deal over the line.
