Fabrizio Romano has named Leeds United as the latest Premier League club to join the race for one of Europe's up-and-coming defenders.
The Peacocks are heading into their second season in the top flight after surviving the drop last term. They finished 14th and are set to build on this with a busy summer of transfer business.
A new goalkeeper is a certainty for Daniel Farke after allowing Ilan Meslier and Karl Darlow's contracts to expire. Zion Suzuki is on their wishlist, although they face competition from Aston Villa for the Japanese shot-stopper.
Leeds Join Muharemovic Race
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic reactsLisi Niesner via Action Images via Reuters
A new centre-back is also wanted at Elland Road, and Romano has revealed that Leeds are now in the mix to sign Bosnia's Tarek Muharemovic. They have joined European-competing Bournemouth and Sunderland in the race for the Sassuolo defender.
Muharemovic played in three of Bosnia and Herzegovina's four World Cup games as they crashed out to the USA in the Round of 32. He has earned plaudits at club and international level, described as a 'complete player.'
Juventus retains a 50% sell-on clause, which Romano states they need to decide on. He left Turin for Mapei Stadium in the summer of 2024, initially on loan and became an instant hit, appearing 33 times across competitions for the Italian outfit.
Leeds Need Defensive Reinforcements
Daniel Farke
Leeds do need to strengthen in defence after selling Pascal Struijk to Brighton & Hove Albion in a £20m deal. Farke now only has four viable centre-back options, which explains why Muharemovic is on the club's radar.
Facing competition from Bournemouth and Sunderland is problematic because both clubs can offer European football. Romano doesn't mention the fee that Sassuolo are demanding for the Bosnian.
Daniel Farke Related
Leeds United and Everton Locked in Battle for 'Combative' £25.5m Midfielder
One Serie A midfielder is attracting plenty of attention
Muharemovic made a permanent switch to the Serie A club from Juve last summer for just €2m (£1.7m). Reports in Italy claim that the Old Lady were considering their former academy product but weren't willing to bid more than €15m.
Alfredo Pedulla reports that Sassuolo’s valuation has since gone up to €40m (£34m) during the World Cup. That fee is likely to prove an issue for Leeds in their pursuit.