Leeds United are currently looking for reinforcements in goal ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Illan Meslier’s Elland Road future is uncertain after Daniel Farke dropped the French goalkeeper from his starting XI late last season.
Now, Leeds are reported to have held fresh talks over an “underrated” goalkeeper with World Cup experience who could be theirs for around £18million.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Torino FC grabs the ball from the toe of Beto of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on February 05, 2023.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Leeds hold further Vanja Milinkovic-Savic talks
The goalkeeper in question is Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who plies his trade for Torino and represents Serbia at international level.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, Leeds’ talks for Milinkovic-Savic continued on Monday night and are still open to triggering his release clause.
Leeds would need to pay just over £20million, or around £18million, to activate the 28-year-old’s release clause.
Milinkovic-Savic’s release clause is set slightly below €20million for Serie A clubs, while foreign sides must pay a little extra.
In addition, the clause is only valid until the end of July.
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What Vanja Milinkovic-Savic could bring to Leeds United
Milinkovic-Savic is a high-quality goalkeeper with 158 Torino appearances and 19 Serbia caps to his name.
The 6ft 7in stopper also played the full 90 minutes in all of Serbia’s games at the 2022 World Cup.
“I think Milinkovic-Savic is an underrated goalkeeper and I told him that too,” former Torino boss Paolo Vanoli told DAZN, via TribalFootball, earlier this year.
“Some of our work this season has been letting him realise his genuine potential. He is a goalkeeper who gives you many options too.”
Milinkovic-Savic is under contract with Torino until 2026, but the Granata hold an additional year’s option.
The 28-year-old conceded 42 goals in 37 Serie A appearances last season, saving four penalty kicks.