Report: £3.4m player determined to make Elland Road move, Leeds United now given encouragement after bid

Leeds United have only signed Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns so far this summer – with Daniel Farke desperately needing to improve his attack and midfield.

The frontline at Elland Road has been raided by Premier League vultures as Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter are plucked by West Ham and Brighton respectively.

Daniel Farke‘s midfield department has also been weakened by Glen Kamara’s move to Rennes, but now, a new midfielder could arrive to improve Leeds United‘s options in this area…

Leeds United finally given Dejan Ljubicic encouragement

A story from BILD in Germany now offers Leeds United some hope in their attempts to bring Dejan Ljubicic to Yorkshire.

The 2.Bundesliga outfit have adopted a firm hands off stance over the Austria international so far this summer – although that now looks to have changed, with the German news outlet suggesting that FC Koln would consider a sale if Leeds United improve their offer.

It was BILD who reported at the end of June that Leeds United had made a €4m (£3.4m) bid for Ljubicic – which was rejected.

Christian Keller – Director of Football for FC Koln – was said to be adamant that the midfielder would stay in Germany, with reports even adding that the 2.Bundesliga side have arranged for specialist Austrian coaches to arrive and make him feel more settled at the club.

Now – however – BILD’s update claims that Keller would become “weak” in his negotiating stance should that £3.4m bid be increased.

Ljubicic himself has apparently gone on strike in an attempt to force through a move to Leeds United before the transfer window ends on Friday 30th August – and is said to have rejected the offer of a new contract.

Crucially, FC Koln cannot replace the 26-year-old due to a transfer ban, but find themselves in a sticky situation as the Austrian only has 11 months left on his contract, and will leave for free in 2025.

Daniel Farke could sign a player similar to David Beckham

For those of you who are unaware of the FC Koln No.7’s talents, a comparison may help.

Dejan Ljubicic ???????? #effzeh pic.twitter.com/VF8beVOHKz— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) January 19, 2024

Interestingly, Ljubicic has been compared to David Beckham – of all players – as a result of his immense technical skills, and his ability to play as a wide midfielder or in the centre.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Leeds United could now finally sign the man from Vienna as FC Koln appear to budge on their stance.