Leeds United were linked with a shock big-money move on deadline day and are even said to have had a bid accepted, but Luka Modric has other plans for the attacking midfielder.
Daniel Farke made it clear the day before deadline day that he would like Leeds to sign a no.10 to provide competition for Brenden Aaronson, who Farke described as the club’s only natural option to play as a 10.
Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe have been used in the role as well as Aaronson this season, following the exit of Georginio Rutter. Certainly, it is a position that Leeds are lacking in at the moment under Farke.
Plenty of options were linked in the summer. The likes of new Sheffield United star Callum O’Hare, his new teammate at Bramall Lane in Gustavo Hamer and then Hungarian star Roland Sallai at Freiburg.
Modric wants Real Madrid to sign Leeds-linked Martin Baturina
Baturina, 21, is seen as one of Europe’s next jewels. The youngster already has five Croatia caps and clocked up a huge 128 appearances for Zagreb, having a hand in 48 goals with five assists this season.
Leeds had a £25m bid accepted for Baturina on deadline day according to reports in Croatia. But, the youngster chose to rejected a move to Elland Road as he preferred to remain with his boyhood club.
Leeds were not alone. Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger says Fiorentina, Atletico Madrid and Roma also saw bids turned down by Baturina, who now claims that Modric is trying to get Real Madrid to sign him.
He reported last night: “Manchester United and Real Madrid have positioned themselves [on Baturina]. According to Sky Infos, even legend Luka Modric is suggesting that his club sign the Croatian jewel.”
Are there any free agents Leeds could sign to solve on.10 issue
There are plenty of viable options in the free agent market that Leeds could turn to if they feel it is worth it. Dele Alli is the obvious suggestion following his release from Everton and if fit, could be a top signing.
Turkish star Yusuf Yazici also finds himself without a club after leaving Lille on a free. Thiago’s brother Rafinha is also looking for a new home, as are former Brentford duo Saman Ghoddos and Emi Marcondes.
Plenty of options should Leeds look to bring in another body outside of the transfer window, but it is something that feels unlikely. What is even more unlikely, is Leeds signing Baturina with Madrid keen.
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