Leeds United transfer state of play as report of Belgian interest in key man emerges - YEP 28/7/23
Leeds United are yet to receive any expression of interest for Pascal Struijk, despite reports in Belgium that Club Brugge want the defender.
By Graham Smyth
Belgian-born Struijk spoke about his Whites future earlier
this week, insisting that his intention was always to come back and play at
Elland Road this summer.
"I mean, my contract isn't till 2027 so I'm always
ready to come back and then give my all for this club," he said. "So
yes [I was always going to stay]."
The 23-year-old has featured heavily in pre-season under
Daniel Farke, in his preferred centre-back position, having had to fill in at
left-back last season. Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad Sport are reporting that
Brugge, who finished fourth in the Pro League last season, are keen on Struijk.
Farke spoke on Thursday night of his desire to strengthen
his central defensive options because at present he has just three centre-backs
in Struijk, Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell.
"The Championship is the toughest league in the world
and at the moment we just have three centre-backs so we need to do a little
bit," said the German, who wants to add quality and experience in various
positions before the transfer window shuts.
Leeds are on the verge of losing Max Wober to a season-long
loan move to Borussia Mönchengladbach, which comes as a bitter blow after the
club initially believed the Austrian international was happy to stay and fight
for promotion in the Championship.
Transfer regulations mean Leeds can only agree to one more
international loan after Wober departs. A raft of players had relegation
clauses in their contracts that allowed them to leave for temporary moves.
Rodrigo also left on a permanent transfer due to a release clause.
When it comes to Leeds' own recruitment, Karl Darlow is
closing in on a permanent move from Newcastle United. The goalkeeper is
scheduled to have a medical today ahead of a £400k deal between the two clubs.
Leeds are believed to be prioritising domestic signings and
expect to see some more movement when top flight clubs return from various
pre-season tours and begin to finalise their squad plans over the next week.
