It is less than four weeks until the beginning of the January transfer window, and Fabrizio Romano has already revealed that Leeds United have seen an approach rejected for a Serie A playmaker.
Leeds finished the summer window in disappointment, having failed to sign Facundo Buonanotte or Harry Wilson. Clearly, Leeds felt they needed an attacking midfielder who could also play on either flank.
Which position do Leeds United need to strengthen most in January?
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After the window, Robbie Evans said Leeds could not spend any more without overstepping the PSR line. But LeedsUnited.News understands that the 49ers can spend, and there is room to manoeuvre at Leeds.
The chances are that Leeds go back in for the same type of player they tried to sign in the final days of the summer window, in January. Well, Como’s Martin Baturina is the latest player to be linked with Leeds.
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty ImagesLeeds United made an approach for Martin Baturina this week
According to Fabrizio Romano on his Italian YouTube channel, Leeds approached Serie A side Como, who are managed by Cesc Fabregas. Leeds wanted to do a deal for Como’s £21m summer signing Baturina.
However, Como has turned down the approach and plan on keeping the former Dinamo Zagreb player. Baturina is also against a move to Elland Road, keen to make it work at Como despite his lack of minutes.
“Baturina is a player Como still wants to focus on, they’re not thinking about a January exit. I’ll tell you the behind-the-scenes story. In the last few days, Leeds has been in touch, the teams are starting to move.
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“Leeds has proposed opening talks with Como and the player’s agents about a possible transfer, even a permanent one. Leeds would have practically repaid Baturina to Como,” Romano claimed this weekend.
“The response I understand from both Como and the player was ‘No, thanks’. Baturina wants to stay at Como, he believes in the project Como is happy with Baturina, with how he trains, the potential he has.
“Baturina continues to work hard, but the door has been closed for Leeds. In short, it also marks some clarity regarding the rumours that have been circulating about the future of the Croatian midfielder.”
Martin Baturina masterclass in Champions League clash v Monaco 🔥
Baturina scores screamer and assists as Dinamo Zagreb draw 2-2 with Monaco.
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Leeds United interest in Martin Baturina is nothing new
That is, if Croatian media is to be believed. It was claimed that on the final day of the summer window in 2024, a day in which Leeds signed Isaac Schmidt and Ao Tanaka, there was interest in Como’s Baturina.
Leeds are claimed to have made a £25m bid for Baturina. Whether or not that is true is unclear, but it does feel unlikely given Leeds were in the Championship. However, Leeds did have money to spend.
It comes after selling Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville. Zagreb even accepted the offer, but Baturina was keen to stay put. He has since joined Como, and remains against a Leeds move.
Perhaps, the result on the weekend against Liverpool and Leeds’ slightly more optimistic position in the Premier League table could tempt Baturina. But as things stand, Como are against selling the Croatian.
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