Leeds United are stepping up their search for a new centre-back after reaching a verbal agreement to sell Pascal Struijk to Brighton this summer.
Struijk’s decision not to sign a new contract left Leeds with little choice but to cash in, with Brighton agreeing to pay an initial £15m, plus a further £3m in performance-related add-ons.
The Whites have already identified the defender they want to bring in as his replacement, but getting the deal over the line is unlikely to come cheap.
If Leeds are to land their preferred target, they may have to break the bank and pay a club-record fee to sign their first-choice to replace Struijk this summer.
Wolves want £40m for Ladislav Krejci
The Leeds press exclusively revealed that Ladislav Krejci has emerged as Leeds’ top target to replace Struijk in the ongoing summer transfer window.
They are stepping up their efforts to sign the centre-back and are expected to hold talks with Wolves soon to sign the defender ahead of the new season.
A deal worth £30m was expected to be enough to get a deal over the line. However, Wolves have felt emboldened to seek a premium fee in an inflated market.
Wolves signed the centre-back for £26m, but according to TeamTalk, the relegated club now want £40m from his sale in the ongoing transfer window.
The club do not feel it’s necessary to sell him for a knocked-down fee, as relegated clubs are all holding firm on valuations of their top players.
Leeds may have to smash their transfer record if they want to take Krejci to Elland Road in the ongoing transfer window.
The defender would be keen on the move as he wants to play in the Premier League. However, Wolves are now prepared to dig their heels in and get the best price possible.
Leeds have other targets, but the Wolves star is the priority
Daniel Farke wants a similar profile to Pascal Struijk – left-footed and good on the ball – to replace him in the Leeds team next season.
Leeds have other defenders on their shortlist and are reportedly ready to table a bid for Real Betis defender Natan this summer. However, Ladislav Krejci is the priority.
He has the Premier League experience and Leeds believe he will look much better once he is playing in a more settled side at Elland Road.
However, Wolves’ demands are steep, and Leeds will have to decide whether it’s worth paying the premium for the Czech Republic captain this summer.
