Leeds United are expected to further strengthen their defence this summer despite completing the £34m signing of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo last week.
The Bosnia international became the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history after arriving at Elland Road on Friday, providing Daniel Farke with the commanding centre-back he wanted following Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton.
But Leeds are not done reshaping their back line. With Sebastiaan Bornauw expected to leave before the transfer window closes, the club are already exploring options to bring in another central defender, and one highly decorated free agent has emerged as a genuine target.
Landing him will not be straightforward, though. Leeds are expected to face strong competition for the experienced defender, who has won every major honour available at club level.
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Liverpool told to sign Leeds target after major injury setback
Liverpool beat Sunderland in a pre-season friendly earlier on Sunday morning. However, the Reds suffered a major injury setback when Joe Gomez picked up a muscle injury.
He is likely to be out for a considerable period of time, and Liverpool are now dealing with a growing injury crisis in defence ahead of the new season.
The Daily Telegraph journalist James Ducker has urged the Reds to consider signing John Stones, who is available on a free transfer this summer.
Leeds are also interested in the 32-year-old centre-back, but Ducker feels it would be an inspired choice if Liverpool sign him to add one more body and winning pedigree to their defence.
He wrote on The Daily Telegraph: “It would be absurd to start using words such as “crisis”, but Liverpool do have an issue to solve, one that was exacerbated by Gomez’s withdrawal. The defence is a major worry, and they need to be careful about running out of bodies.
“Jacquet and Leoni are the future, but Leoni is not involved in full training yet, following his cruciate ligament injury last September, while Jacquet is going to need time to adjust after five months out with a significant shoulder injury.
“There is an answer staring Liverpool in the face if they wish to pursue it: John Stones. Some of Liverpool’s best transfers were shrewd and free – think of Gary McAllister and Markus Babbel (2000) and James Milner (2015) – and the England international would tick so many boxes.
“Apart from vast experience and winner’s pedigree, Stones is a class act professionally and personally. Yes, he has had fitness issues during his career, but what an addition he would be. Put another way: if Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus and Bayern Munich are looking at him, should not Liverpool?”
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Leeds still have a chance to sign John Stones
Despite interest from several Premier League heavyweights, Leeds United should not be ruled out in the race for John Stones.
A return to Yorkshire could prove a major attraction for the England international, who was born in Barnsley, with Elland Road offering him the chance to move closer to home at this stage of his career.
Leeds have already demonstrated their pulling power this summer. They fought off competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Benfica to sign Harry Wilson, underlining the growing appeal of the club’s long-term project under the 49ers.
Their recent talks with Julian Brandt’s father also highlight the level of ambition behind the scenes, with Leeds targeting players who would have seemed out of reach not so long ago.
Wages are likely to be the biggest stumbling block, given Stones’ earnings at Manchester City. However, if he is prepared to prioritise regular football, a return home and an ambitious project over the biggest payday, Leeds have every reason to believe they can make a compelling case despite interest from clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and potentially Liverpool.
