Leeds United are now said to be pushing for a deal to sign a new centre-back as they look to ramp up their summer recruitment. The Whites have snapped up Harry Wilson this summer, which was an impressive deal in itself, but they will want to add a handful of new recruits this summer.
One area they must strengthen is the centre-back spot, with Pascal Struijk having been allowed to leave for Brighton, replacing Jan Paul van Hecke, who left the Seagulls for Tottenham.
Daniel Farke will want a reliable centre-back he can plug and play, while there are other areas he will want to strengthen to aid Leeds' bid to become Premier League stalwarts over the course of next season and beyond.
Leeds step up bid to sign Tarik Muharemovic
Daniel Farke
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are focusing on the signing of Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, who did well for Bosnia and Herzegovina in this summer's World Cup.
Romano posted on X: "More on Tarik Muharemović and Leeds United exclusive story from Saturday. #LUFC presented a verbal contract proposal to the defender and pushing to close the deal next week. Leeds are confident to get it done, 2 more clubs involved — talks to follow with Sassuolo."
It came after reports of a bid from Leeds, and it's expected the deal will be an expensive one, with Muharemovic valued at £21.3million by Transfermarkt and he is likely to go for more than that, especially after doing well at the World Cup.
But Leeds brought in around £18million for Struijk, so they will have plenty of cash towards the deal. Juventus would get some cash from the deal having sold Muharemovic to Sassuolo and kept some of his rights.
Whaty kind of player is Tarik Muharemovic?
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic reactsLisi Niesner via Action Images via Reuters
Transfermarkt's Serie A expert Stefano Bounfino said when describing the Leeds target: "He is very physically solid, especially strong in aerial duels where he can use his height and anticipation skills to his advantage. He is determined, knows how to read passes and anticipates plays. He also has good footwork and is not afraid to break away from the defense to participate in the attacking phase when appropriate.”
Asked about the defender's form last season, he added: "He had already shown good confidence and technical ability as a modern defender in Serie B. He confirmed this in Serie A, even against top clubs and great strikers. He made a few mistakes, but this is understandable for a centre back of this age playing in a newly promoted team. He has found great consistency and his place in the starting lineup has never been questioned."
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