Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol will have other Premier League clubs looking at him in the summer, a former scout has claimed.
He did not slot straight into Daniel Farke’s side but after biding his time, soon forced his way into the side.
The Slovenia international is now a key figure for the Whites and it has been suggested his commanding performances could attract interest.
Jaka Bijol has established himself as a key figure in Leeds United's backline.placeholder image
Jaka Bijol has established himself as a key figure in Leeds United's backline. | Michael Regan/Getty Images
Jaka Bijol claim emerges
Mick Brown, who worked for the likes of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers in his scouting days, told Football Insider: “Bijol has been fantastic for Leeds so far this season. The problem they might have is, any player playing at a high level for Leeds or any other club in their position is going to attract a lot of interest.
“There’s still a possibility they could go down, they’re not out of it yet, and if that happens they might find it very hard to keep hold of him.
“But even if they don’t, there are a few Premier League clubs who will be looking at him. Given the type of player he is, a physical defender, not afraid to put his foot and his head in and help the team, there’s always going to be interest.
“Leeds won’t want to lose him because he’s been a big part of the success they’ve had this season.
“Centre-back is a position they’ve had issues in before, but he’s come in there alongside Joe Rodon who has also really impressed me, and made a real stable backline.”
Jaka Bijol made the move to Leeds United from Udinese last summer.placeholder image
Jaka Bijol made the move to Leeds United from Udinese last summer. | George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds United’s centre-back department
Centre-back was a priority position for Leeds in last summer’s transfer window, in which they signed both Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw.
The switch to a three-at-the-back system in early December has only made it a more important department for the Whites, who also have Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk as natural options.
Leeds will undoubtedly be keen to retain Bijol in the summer, especially considering they only added him to their squad last June.