Leeds United could be set to miss out on Jaka Bijol as the centre-back remains an Udinese player currently.
Daniel Farke and Leeds United have two first-team centre-backs in the form of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, with Max Wober expected to depart and Ethan Ampadu more of a defensive midfielder.
We therefore outlined that Bijol should be a target for Leeds this summer prior to any reported interest. Now, Leeds are keen to land Bijol’s signature from Udinese to add competition at centre-back.
Recently it was reported that Bijol had given Leeds his word to join the club this summer but Leeds’ first bid for Bijol was rejected over the last few days.
Photo by MB Media/Getty ImagesNewcastle United join Leeds in the race for Jaka Bijol
Leeds and Udinese remain apart in their valuation of Bijol despite other reports stating Bijol will cost Leeds no more than £15.2 million
The giant Slovenian central defender has been with Udinese for the last three seasons but Bijol wants a fresh start this summer.
However, Leeds aren’t the only interested party in the race. Sacha Tavolieri of Sky Sports Switzerland has revealed that Leeds’ “top defensive priority” is also a target for Newcastle.
The Magpies have recently entered the race for the Slovenian’s signature, according to the report. Udinese are due to pay a percentage of the player’s upcoming sale to CSKA Moscow and are hoping to secure at least €20 million.
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Bijol has already agreed to move to England, but Newcastle’s interest could change his destination, according to Tavolieri. For Leeds, the 26-year-old is “considered fundamental internally.”
Bijol will have to switch shirt numbers to join Leeds. Of course, that is unlikely to be a determining factor in negotiations but Newcastle’s interest has thrown a spanner in the works.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty ImagesJaka Bijol’s brilliant displays alongside Marco Silvestri at Udinese
Marco Silvestri claimed Bijol’s brilliance for Udinese and their defensive unit was the foundation for his success during his time with the club.
Bijol’s aerial prowess is what Leeds are eyeing as having, with his ability to defend his box likely to be vital for a team looking to survive relegation to the Championship.
Leeds have Struijk who is excellent in the air, while Rodon also wins plenty of headers but lacks direction in terms of how he places his headers.
Bijol should be a threat at both ends of the pitch in that sense, which is why signing him would add an extra dimension to Leeds in both boxes.
A warrior of a centre-back, Bijol is the ideal type of defender for a team fighting to survive relegation.