Leeds United are focused on bringing in attacking reinforcements before the end of the window. Daniel Farke has insisted that his attacking options have been weakened since last season, and the squad are not ready to be competitive in the Premier League next season at this stage.
However, Leeds are also in the market for a new full-back as Isaac Schmidt wants to leave the club in the coming weeks. The German wants to play more football ahead of next year’s World Cup and has agreed on a deal in principle to move Werder Bremen on loan, potentially with an option to buy.
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Schmidt has been heavily involved in Leeds’ pre-season preparations due to Jayden Bogle’s injury, and Farke is not interested in letting the defender go unless a replacement is secured before the window closes on September 1st.
The recruitment team are looking for full-backs amid their search for attacking reinforcements, and with Schmidt agitating for a move, the club need a full-back in the squad soon.
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Leeds United are keen to sign Lugano’s Mattia Zanotti, but the negotiations have stalled
Mattia Zanotti’s name recently cropped up as Leeds stepped up their efforts to bring in a new full-back following the developments around Schmidt.
Leeds have been in advanced negotiations with Lugano to sign the Italian defender for a fee in the region of £8.7m in the ongoing transfer window.
The Whites were making progress in the talks, but according to SportItalia, the negotiations have stalled.
There are no problems between the two clubs, but it appears the move has stalled from the player’s side of the talks.
Leeds are struggling to agree on personal terms with Zanotti and his representatives, which has stalled the pursuit of the defender.
The Whites remain keen to sign, and the club will hope to resolve any issues with the Italian’s camp in the coming days to finalise the transfer.
Leeds need to replace Schmidt soon
The Swiss defender hardly played last season and is more than justified in seeking a move away from Elland Road in the ongoing transfer window.
Schmidt has also not looked brilliant in pre-season, and playing in the Premier League could be a step too high for the Switzerland international next season.
Werder Bremen are happy to take him on loan, and the move is hinging on Leeds finding an adequate replacement before the end of the transfer window.
Bogle’s injury during pre-season has also stressed the importance of Leeds having a readymade back-up for the right-back position in the upcoming season.
Leeds need to step up their efforts to sign a new full-back, and if Zanotti is the player they want, the club must finalise a deal to sign him as soon as possible.
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