Leeds United are expected to be busy in the summer transfer market - both in terms of incomings and outgoings. The Whites have already made some early moves, recruiting Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg and signing Slovenia international Jaka Bijol in a £15m deal from Udinese.
There is a distinct possibility United will bring in a new attacking midfielder over the coming weeks to provide cover and competition for Brenden Aaronson. One of the players the Whites are said to be tracking is Middlesbrough star Finn Azaz. Reports in the Irish Sun claimed United, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are keeping close tabs on the midfield playmaker's situation.
Former Aston Villa man Azaz impressed at the Riverside last term, providing 11 assists and 12 goals. His current deal at Boro, who appointed Rob Edwards as their new boss yesterday, runs until the summer of 2028.
When pressed on links to Premier League clubs, the Republic of Ireland international said: “I’m playing at a high level now. The Championship is a really competitive league and it’s a really good league. I think it’s ranked sixth or seventh in Europe. I’ve got a contract with Boro of course, my focus is on pre-season at the moment.
“I’m really happy at my club. I’ve had a great year. I’ve got a lot of respect for everyone at the club and it’s been amazing for me the last 18 months here. I had a great season personally so obviously I want to keep developing and my ambition is to play at the highest level.
“Whether that be the Premier League or going abroad, I want to play at the highest level. I’m fully aware that there’s a lot of Premier League players in the Irish team and I’m looking at the World Cup qualifiers and the World Cup next summer.
“I’m fully aware that you want to be playing against the best players week in, week out, to be in the best position possible for the World Cup qualifiers.
“In international football, the physicality of the opposition is sharper, it’s better. There are higher quality players. Look at England, look at Hungary, look at Bulgaria as well, they play in top leagues, at top clubs as well.
“People are sharper in the mind, quality is higher. It’s a massive step up but I want to be playing at the highest level and I’ve got to prove myself at the highest level to show that I can play at that highest level."
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