Leeds United are stepping up their pursuit of Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic.
They have made strengthening their defence a priority following Pascal Struijk’s departure, and Muharemovic is a leading target.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that Leeds had entered the race for the 23-year-old.
However, Leeds appear determined to win the battle for the Bosnia international’s signature.
The Whites have already presented the defender with a verbal contract proposal and are pushing hard to finalise an agreement.
They also believed to be optimistic about reaching a deal with Sassuolo, with club-to-club talks expected to intensify over the coming days.
Leeds’ transfer priorities have shifted dramatically in recent weeks.
While much of the early focus was on adding attacking reinforcements, the need to rebuild the defence has become increasingly urgent.
The expected departure of goalkeeper Karl Darlow has added another position to address, but replacing Struijk remains the club’s most pressing concern.
Muharemovic is viewed as a player capable of slotting straight into Farke’s starting XI.
He won 64 percent of his aerial and 64% of his ground duels in Serie A last term, helping his side keep six clean sheets. He bagged two goals and two assists.
Standing at 6ft 3in, the left-footed centre-back also offers composure in possession.
He is not renowned for his recovery pace, but his reading of the game and defensive positioning have earned widespread praise during his rise in Italy.
If Leeds can fend off competition and complete the move next week, signing Muharemovic would be a major statement of intent.
He would give Leeds boss Daniel Farke the commanding left-sided defender he needs ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Leeds are also eyeing a move for Mariano Troilo. Ousmane Diomande is on their radar, but a deal is too expensive.
