Leeds hold talks with World Cup defender amid Pascal Struijk sale agreement

Leeds United are almost certain to sign at least one senior centre-back after an agreement was reached for Pascal Struijk’s sale this summer.

The Whites have reached a verbal deal to sell Struijk to Premier League rivals Brighton for a deal worth £20m in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Leeds offered the Dutch defender a new contract and wanted to retain him. However, Struijk informed the club that he wanted a fresh challenge, and the Whites were not prepared to watch him run down the final year of his current deal.

Struijk’s imminent departure means Leeds are keen to bring in a replacement soon, and they have already made a move to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi.
Leeds United hold talks with Nico Elvedi over a summer move

Nico Elvedi is currently in the World Cup with the Switzerland squad, who have qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

However, his future at Gladbach is under the scanner due to interest from Leeds, who are pushing to take him to Elland Road in the ongoing transfer window.

Elvedi is said to be keen to join Leeds as he wants to play in the Premier League, and Daniel Farke remains a firm admirer of the 29-year-old centre-back.

According to the Daily Mail, talks have already taken place between Leeds and Elvedi over the defender’s potential move to Yorkshire in the ongoing transfer window.

The centre-back wants to play in the Premier League, and Leeds appear to be in pole position to sign the player this summer.

However, there is still no agreement between Leeds and Gladbach for his transfer, and the German club are keen to drive up the price.

They would prefer to hold on to one of their most senior players in the squad, and are prepared to drive up the price if Elvedi wants to leave this summer.
Leeds want an experienced defender to replace Struijk

The club would have preferred to hold on to Struijk. But his refusal to sign a new contract left them with no choice, and he will now join Brighton this summer.

He has been a major player for Leeds over the last few seasons and was at the heart of a team that comfortably stayed up in the Premier League last term.

Leeds do not want to take any gambles with his replacement and are keen to brig in someone experienced who is ready to slot into the team next season.

Elvedi has the experience to be a top replacement for Struijk, and Leeds are ramping up their efforts to take him to Elland Road this summer.