New Leeds United stance given after tabling £3m+ bid, it could change in next few days — Leeds United News 19/8/24
Will Butcher
One position Daniel Farke wants to strengthen between now
and the deadline on August 30 is in the middle of the park as Leeds United look
to shake off a poor start and push for promotion.
It is expected that Leeds are now going to pursue as many as
four new signings in the next week and a half. The need for a full-back is huge
while Glen Kamara and Archie Gray have gone, Joe Rothwell signed.
But Leeds need another, more attacking central midfielder to
provide depth and potentially start over the likes of Ilia Gruev. Replacements
for duo Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter are also required.
Focus does seem to be on finding the next Summerville with
Jack Clarke among others linked with a move to Leeds. Clarke’s return to Elland
Road would be emotional, given he came through at Thorp Arch.
The latest on a possible move to Leeds for Koln’s Dejan
Ljubicic
Koln picked up their first win of the season in Germany’s
second tier over the weekend but had to do it without 26-year-old Austria star
Dejan Ljubicic. Eagle-eyed Leeds fans spotted he was not involved.
However, German magazine Kicker report that his absence was
due to a knock to his knee. Leeds made a bid of £3.3m for Ljubicic but it was
rejected, despite Ljubicic being in the final year of his Koln contract.
Kicker also report that as things stand, Leeds are not
prepared to go in with a second bid. However, they say that could change
towards the end of the window as the pressure begins to rise on Daniel Farke.
What Ljubicic said on his future when asked about Leeds
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With Leeds making a bid, it is clear that should Koln’s
tight stronghold of the midfielder could be tested before the end of the
window. Interest, at least according to Kicker, has not subsided despite
rejection.
Ljubicic has been asked about links with Leeds and the bid
made to land his services. Ljubicic did not close the door on a move to Leeds,
though Kicker say Leeds would have to table a much bigger bid.
“Rumours are part of football. I don’t concern myself with
them. I’m here in Cologne, I want to perform well again. I want to show people
that ‘Dejan is playing good, powerful football again’,” Ljubicic said.