Leeds are now first in the queue to sign Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic in the January transfer window, as per a report from Forza Roma.
Their competition in securing Lukic’s signature comes from Serie A side AS Roma, yet the Whites have a significant financial advantage.
Torino’s director of football Davide Vagnati has reportedly stated that anyone wishing to sign Lukic would have to pay around £12.9m to secure the Serbian’s services. As Roma are unable to meet this asking price, Leeds have the upper hand in the pursuit.
Lukic’s contract at Jose Mourinho’s side lasts until 2024, yet he is not believed to be looking for a renewal. Considering this, it appears likely that Roma will look for a sale to avoid losing Lukic when his contract expires.
One to watch
With rumours circulating about the imminent departure of midfield stalwart Mateusz Klich in January, it is perhaps unsurprising that Leeds are scouting for a potential replacement.
With Lukic netting three goals in fourteen appearances in all competitions for Torino so far this season, the Whites could certainly do worse.
The fact remains, however, that Leeds’ transfer window spending would be better spent elsewhere, focussing particularly on the left-back and forward positions. Depth across the whole squad is important, but so is ensuring that the limited funds that the club has at its disposal is spent wisely.
For now, Lukic remains one to watch, but it’s difficult to view it as a massive blow if he doesn’t sign. Perhaps a better course of action would be to entice Klich to stay in January to maintain squad depth, whilst also enabling money to be invested in the side in other – more vital – areas.
