Leeds United are currently focused on strengthening their wings, particularly in light of the ongoing Jonathan Rowe and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi transfer saga.
Unfortunately for Leeds, they are not the frontrunners in either of these pursuits.
The club must quickly identify a replacement for Crysencio Summerville, who recently transferred to West Ham United for £25 million plus add-ons.
While they chase wingers, the midfield position has been temporarily sidelined, as the West Yorkshire outfit aims to secure a top-notch winger first.
Midfield replacements are also on the agenda, following the key departures from this area. Glen Kamara left for Rennes, and Archie Gray moved to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Both players were significant contributors to the squad as The 49ers aimed for promotion last season. Their failure to achieve this goal has left the club in a challenging position, with many departures and few arrivals.
Leeds United will need at least one new midfielder. Their top target appears to be Dejan Ljubičić, an Austrian midfielder currently playing in the 2. Bundesliga.
FC Köln endured a poor season in the top flight, resulting in their relegation.
According to BILD, only a substantial offer will convince FC Köln to part with Ljubičić, who has just one year remaining on his contract. The club will have to consider this contract situation carefully.
If Ljubičić agrees to an extension, it would indicate his intention to stay, but there have been no rumors of an extension yet. BILD has reported that Ljubičić is contemplating his future in Germany.
Thomas Kessler, the head of first-team football at Köln, is confident that Ljubičić will remain with the club, especially following a management revamp.
Kessler believes that the new Austrian management is a compelling reason for Ljubičić to stay.
Leeds United previously had a £3.3 million bid for Ljubičić rejected and are expected to return with a higher offer. Rumors suggest The 49ers are preparing a new bid, but no official moves have been made yet.
Regardless of the outcome, Leeds United can expect a significant portion of their sales profits to be used for this transfer.
