Leeds are looking into the signing of Leonardo Balerdi, but could struggle to convince the defender to leave his current club for a potential Premier League relegation battle.<\/p>\n
There have been reports that the Whites are looking at a new central defender this summer \u2013 potentially as an upgrade for Pascal Struijk and to play alongside Joe Rodon \u2013 and one name linked is Marseille central defender\u00a0Balerdi, who is the current captain of the Ligue 1 side. <\/p>\n
Sources have given an update on that pursuit and told TEAMtalk the state of play in regards to his future.<\/p>\n
He is still wanted by current club Marseille and they would rather not sell him in the upcoming window. He has played 27 times this season and that would be more if he had not picked up some niggling injuries. In total, Balerdi has played 162 times for his side and is regarded as a fan favourite.<\/p>\n
An exit has nearly happened on previous occasions, however, there has never been a club that has managed to convince him to leave the club he wears the armband for.<\/p>\n
Sources have stated that Roberto De Zerbi is keen to add more numbers in the defence and that is where clubs could pounce to attract Balerdi.<\/p>\n
Sources have suggested that if his game time is at threat then there would be serious consideration about his future and the Premier League would be where he would like to go.<\/p>\n
The elite league and the brilliant opportunities it offers are always of interest but playing in Europe would also be a key factor.<\/p>\n
DON\u2019T MISS<\/strong>: Leeds United most expensive signings: Top 10 revealed before crucial summer spending<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Leeds can\u2019t offer what Marseille can<\/strong><\/p>\n The Argentine international is set to play Champions League football next season at Marseille and has had a steady flow of European football since his arrival from Dortmund in 2020.<\/p>\n It would take some convincing to make him give up the five years of European football to play at the lower end of the Premier League and be involved in what is expected to be a relegation battle.<\/p>\n Leeds<\/a> will back manager Daniel Farke in a bid to keep themselves in the division next season and avoid the same fate as last season\u2019s three promoted sides, who all were relegated back to the second tier.<\/p>\n Leeds round-up: Firpo to leave; triple exit confirmed<\/strong><\/p>\n At Leeds\u2019 trophy parade for winning the Championship, Ethan Ampadu suggested that Junior Firpo was leaving for Real Betis.<\/p>\n TEAMtalk can confirm that the left-back is closing in on a return<\/a> to the Spanish side, though the deal is not cut and dried just yet.<\/p>\n