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 links
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.