Leeds United are prepared to make a move for on-loan Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci, with TEAMtalk revealing why the World Cup-bound star has now become a serious option for the club and with the costs needed to secure a deal coming to light.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old emerged as one of Wolves\u2019 standout performers last season despite the club\u2019s relegation from the Premier League. Across the campaign, the left-sided central defender made 27 starts in the Premier League, proving a consistent figure in the Old Gold\u2019s defensive line despite their very obvious struggles.<\/p>\n
Krejci<\/a>, who is going to the World Cup finals with Czechia this summer, initially arrived in England on loan from Girona, though Wolves have triggered an obligation to buy for around \u00a326million (\u20ac30m, $35m) after the defender reached a set appearance threshold.<\/p>\n However, following relegation, his future at Wolves<\/a> remains up in the air as they look to reshape their squad ahead of life in the Championship. While Wolves have triggered the appearance clauses needed to secure a permanent deal, it is not yet known if they will try to avert that option, amid uncertainty as to whether any deal relied upon the club retaining their Premier League status.<\/p>\n Either way, sources have indicated that Wolves are not planning for a future with the player and that could allow Leeds to step in.<\/p>\n That valuation is not believed to be a major obstacle for Leeds<\/a>, however.<\/p>\n According to our transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey<\/a>, Daniel Farke\u2019s side would be willing to offer a figure around the \u00a326million mark for a player they have admired for much of the past season.<\/p>\n Indeed, Leeds\u2019 interest is not new. Sources have confirmed the Yorkshire club made enquiries about Krejci during the January transfer window as they monitored defensive targets capable of making the step up to Premier League football.<\/p>\n Further talks were held between Leeds and Wolves officials over a potential deal<\/a> following the Whites\u2019 3-0 win over Rob Edwards\u2019 side in April, a result that effectively confirmed the visitors\u2019 relegation from the Premier League.<\/p>\n Now Leeds\u2019 summer recruitment plans are accelerating, and Krejci has re-emerged as a serious option as the Whites look to strengthen the left side of their defence.<\/p>\n The Czech international\u2019s profile is understood to appeal strongly to Leeds\u2019 recruitment team, with his physical presence, leadership qualities, Premier League experience and versatility all viewed as major assets. Standing at 6ft 3in, it\u2019s believed he will also add an added physicality at set-pieces; something Leeds vastly improved on last season under Farke.<\/p>\n Krejci\u2019s ability to operate both as a central defender and in a back-three system is another factor that has attracted attention at Elland Road.<\/p>\n Leeds are not alone in their admiration, however, and they won\u2019t have a straight fight for his signature\u2026<\/p>\n DON\u2019T MISS<\/strong>: Leeds urged to tie \u2018vital\u2019 star to massive new deal as Champions League side are linked with \u00a330m swoop<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n LaLiga and Premier League sides rival Leeds for Krejci\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Indeed, TEAMtalk understands there is interest from clubs in Spain, where Krejci\u2019s reputation remains high following his spell with Girona before his move to England.<\/p>\n Several LaLiga sides have tracked his progress throughout the season and are aware that Wolves could be willing to listen to offers.<\/p>\n Despite that interest, sources indicate the player would prefer to remain in the Premier League if possible.<\/p>\n That preference is viewed as a significant boost to Leeds\u2019 hopes of completing a deal should formal negotiations begin in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n TEAMtalk can also reveal that Brentford and Crystal Palace have monitored Krejci in recent months.<\/p>\n Both clubs have carried out scouting work on the defender as they assess potential defensive reinforcements, although neither has advanced their interest as far as Leeds at this stage.<\/p>\n As a result, we understand the Whites could soon advance with a formal proposal for Krejci. And they hope to still bring the player to Elland Road regardless of what happens to Pascal Struijk, who, with a year left on his deal at Elland Road, has himself been linked with a move away<\/a>.<\/p>\n