Dejan Ljubicic has entertained thoughts of moving away from FC Koln amid interest from Leeds United, according to Kicker.
The German source reported [19 August] that the 26-year-old has previously been open to a transfer away, and it is understood that Daniel Farke wants to make the move a reality this summer.
While Leeds have already offered £3.4million for the midfielder, Koln deems the bid far too low, with the club’s current transfer ban from FIFA meaning they are unable to replace him until 1 January.
The Whites may have to splash out as much as £6.8million, as per Bild [7 August], with the player dreaming of “big-time football”.
Leeds United to sign Dejan Ljubicic before 30 August?
Farke will certainly be looking to bring new faces through the Elland Road doors before the transfer window slams shut on 30 August.
The manager has already lost Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, among others, with Georginio Rutter closing in on a move to Brighton this summer [Florian Plettenberg].
These transfers have left the Whites lacking depth in several positions at the start of a new Championship campaign, so Ljubicic could be an extremely important acquisition this summer.
While Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev look to be building a strong partnership in the middle of the park, there are few options on the bench to replace either during a match or deputise in case of an injury.
Joe Rothwell has been joined from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, but given he only made seven starts across the Premier League and Championship last term, Farke needs another option.
Ljubicic has been performing well for Koln since joining in 2021, going on to make 94 appearances and even earning nine caps for the Austria national team over the last few seasons.
