Newcastle are showing interest in a summer move for Leeds United target Jaka Bijol, Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed.
The Magpies have reportedly identified the Slovenia international as a potential reinforcement at centre-back and could look to hijack Leeds’ pursuit of Bijol soon.
Leeds are believed to have submitted an initial offer worth €15m (£12.8m) to Udinese for Bijol, who has already expressed internally his desire to leave the Serie A club this summer.
Udinese are said to be hoping for a fee of at least €20m (£17m) for the ‘absolutely outstanding’ defender.
Jaka Bijol Agrees Terms to Join Leeds
Newcastle looking to hijack the transfer
Udinese defender Jaka Bijol and Roma playmaker Paulo Dybala battling for possession
According to Tavolieri, Bijol has already agreed personal terms over a move to Leeds this summer, but Newcastle’s emerging interest could soon change his stance.
The Slovenia international is believed to have accepted a move to Elland Road on a contract until June 2029, but the deal is not yet sealed, with club-to-club agreement still pending.
Leeds are said to have identified Bijol as their top priority in this summer’s transfer window and are willing to come closer to Udinese’s valuation to sign the 26-year-old.
Bijol, who joined the Serie A club in 2022, has been a cornerstone of Udinese’s defence ever since, making 95 appearances across his three seasons in Italy.
Newcastle are expected to bring in a new centre-back this summer and retain interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi ahead of their Champions League return.
The Magpies saw four bids rejected for the England international last summer, but Palace are more likely to sell this time, with just over 12 months remaining on Guehi’s contract.
Jaka Bijol's Udinese Stats (2024/25 Serie A)
Games
Goals
Assists
Goal-creating actions
Minutes played
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Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 1 6 -06-25.