NafisaWith the new Premier League campaign drawing closer, Leeds United continue to intensify their recruitment plans as Daniel Farke looks to assemble a squad capable of comfortably competing in the top flight.
Strengthening the defensive department has become one of the club’s biggest priorities following several changes at the back this summer.
The Whites have already been linked with a number of experienced defenders across Europe, but competition remains fierce as clubs look to secure proven international players before the transfer window gathers even more momentum.
Leeds’ recruitment team have continued working behind the scenes, confident they can persuade key targets that Elland Road is the ideal destination.
One name that has remained firmly on their shortlist is an experienced Bundesliga defender whose future could now be edging closer to England.
According to sources speaking to Football Insider, Nico Elvedi has now opened the door to a potential move to Leeds United as negotiations continue to gather pace.
The 29-year-old defender has remained a long-standing target for Daniel Farke, who is eager to reinforce his defensive options as part of Leeds’ ambitious summer rebuilding project.
Elvedi recently featured prominently for Switzerland during their impressive run to the World Cup quarter-finals, and although their campaign ended following defeat to Argentina, attention is now expected to shift fully towards his club future.
Football Insider revealed that the experienced centre-back would welcome the opportunity to join Leeds this summer and remains hopeful an agreement can eventually be reached.
The Swiss international has entered the final year of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, and the German club are reportedly prepared to entertain offers as they increasingly accept that his departure is becoming inevitable.
Leeds are believed to be well positioned despite seeing an initial bid rejected, with expectations that the Yorkshire club will return shortly with an improved proposal.
Leeds continue negotiations for Elvedi
Football Insider previously reported that Leeds have been actively working to reach an agreement with Borussia Monchengladbach over the defender in recent weeks.
Daniel Farke is expected to play a significant role in discussions, having built a strong relationship with Elvedi during their previous time together in Germany.
The defender himself is also believed to be attracted by the opportunity to finally test himself in the Premier League after several successful seasons in the Bundesliga.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Football Insider explained:
“There’s been talk that they’ve had one offer rejected by Monchengladbach already this summer.
“Elvedi would be somebody who would be a good fit for Leeds because obviously Daniel Farke has worked with him previously at Borussia Monchengladbach.
“Elvedi, if the opportunity was to come along, I’m sure he would be interested in a move to the Premier League and Leeds United as well.
“He’s got one year left on his contract, and Monchengladbach will be keeping a close eye on his performances at the World Cup to raise his price tag in that respect.
“But the German club are resigned to the player moving on this summer due to his contract situation.
“But the worry for Leeds will be is if he continues to impress for Switzerland that other teams might come to the table for him as well.”
Why Elvedi remains a priority
Leeds’ determination to strengthen at centre-back has only increased following Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton earlier this summer.
Farke has repeatedly stressed the importance of adding quality reinforcements, with replacing Struijk emerging as one of the club’s most urgent transfer objectives.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown previously indicated that Leeds are prepared to invest heavily in securing the right successor.
The sale of Struijk reportedly generated around £20 million, funds the club are expected to reinvest into strengthening the squad before the new season gets underway.
As things stand, Elvedi continues to feature prominently on Leeds United’s shortlist, but the Whites know they may need to move quickly if further interest emerges following another impressive spell on the international stage.
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