BREAKING NEWS: Leeds Utd lodge strong bid for £14k-p/w star who can finally replace Phillips

It seems unlikely that Leeds United are already done with their summer business, as Daniel Farke and Co worryingly wait it out until next month’s deadline when it comes to a number of stars leaving.

Of course, incomings into the building won’t be wrapped up by any stretch of the imagination just yet either, as the Whites aim to strengthen all over the pitch, with central midfield one priority as was revealed by the Leeds boss recently.

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Leeds could now press on and sign this desired target in the centre of the park, therefore, with Farke potentially raiding the German leagues again for a top talent if a move gets off the ground.

Leeds bidding for Bundesliga midfielder

According to German outlet BILD, Leeds are very keen on bringing in FC Koln ace Dejan Ljubičić to the building this summer, with Ilia Gruev just one success story in the Whites camp who was purchased from the Bundesliga, away from the new target.

Leeds have already faced a stumbling block in their early pursuit of the 27-year-old, however, as a £3.3m bid has been reportedly rejected – with Ljubičić’s valuation nearer to the £4m mark, according to Football Transfers.

Leeds won’t just give in here though, knowing that the new Championship season is gradually coming more and more into view now, and the fact the likes of Oliver Skipp and more potentially coming in to strengthen the central midfield spots are dead deals.

Therefore, Farke and Co could bid more for the Austrian star shortly, with the very real possibility that the current Koln number seven could be Leeds’ next Kalvin Phillips, if everything goes smoothly.

How Ljubičić could be Leeds’ next Phillips

Leeds have sorely lacked a similarly aggressive and tenacious spirit to the one that Phillips used to give them week in, week out since their homegrown product left for Manchester City in 2022, a bumper move that now he must really regret putting pen to paper on.

There was some speculative talk in the air that the former Whites great was planning a dramatic return to Elland Road this summer, but Leeds falling short of their promotion goal stopped that dream move from ever coming to fruition, with Ljubičić now their desired choice to sign centrally.

Although Ljubičić struggled last season for Koln as his side were relegated, the table above indicates he has shone brightly in the past for his German employers in the top division to warrant Leeds being intrigued, with five goals and one assist managed during the 2022/23 campaign by the Austrian.

Yet, even when everything was stacked against Koln, Ljubičić would battle away to try and make a difference last season, with three duels won on average per game last campaign, as the now German second-tier outfit succumbed to their relegation fate.

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