'Leeds fast-track Jaka Bijol deal to escape Newcastle hijack after terms agreed'

‘Leeds fast-track Jaka Bijol deal to escape Newcastle hijack after terms agreed’

Jaka Bijol remains top of the transfer shortlist for Leeds United as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his side’s defence.

Leeds cannot afford any slip-ups this summer as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League next season, and buck the trend of promoted teams being sent straight back down.

Lukas Nmecha has already been brought through the doors at Elland Road on a free transfer from Wolfsburg as Leeds’ first signing of the season, but several others will need to follow if they’re to survive.

Football Insider revealed in April that only six members of Farke’s squad are seen as Premier League-ready by Leeds higher-ups, and central defence is a key area in which the Whites need to reinforce.

Leeds want a new centre-back partner for Joe Rodon next season (Credit: Imago)

Bijol blow dealt for Leeds as Newcastle enter transfer race

Leeds’ current centre-back options of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Maximilian Wober and Ethan Ampadu appear solid enough at Elland Road, but movement is expected and Udinese’s Bijol is top of their list.

However, Wober looks set to head for the exit door with Bijol seen as a clear upgrade on the Austrian, and the prospect of the Slovenian alongside Rodon in defence could give Leeds a formidable foundation.

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The Peacocks are yet to strike a deal for Bijol though with the transfer window re-opening, and journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported for Sky Sport.ch that Newcastle have now entered the fray to sign the defender.

Bijol had already stated his intention to leave Udinese even before Leeds submitted a £12.8million bid for the 26-year-old, but Newcastle are well-placed to meet the Serie A side’s asking price of £17m instead.

(Credit: Imago)

Leeds in race against time to complete Bijol switch

Although Tavolieri’s report states that Leeds “will not hesitate” to force through Bijol’s transfer before Newcastle get a chance to hijack the deal, the Whites are now under pressure to sign the Slovenian.

Bijol’s preference is a move to England and he has already agreed personal terms at Elland Road, but Newcastle’s offer of Champions League football will appeal more than an expected relegation battle.

Leeds can still complete a deal for Bijol despite the Magpies’ newfound interest, but if they lose out on their top defensive target, owners 49ers Enterprises could be left to rue their previous hesitations.

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