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19-year-old could now leave Leeds next week as Serie A club reignite interest

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Salernitana have reignited their interest in Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde.

That is according to Tutto Salernitana, who report the Serie A club have now made him their main target and a deal could now be completed as early as next week.

Salernitana had reportedly cooled their interest after learning of Leeds‘ £1.7 million price tag, but talks between the two clubs have now resumed.

Manchester United v Leeds United - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

As per the report, Leeds could be willing to allow Hjelde to leave on loan this summer providing an obligation to buy is agreed for in 12 months’ time, that also includes a healthy sell-on clause.

The Italian club are said to be impressed with the versatility Hjelde can offer their squad, with the 19-year-old capable of playing both in the centre of left of defence.

Hjelde could now leave Leeds next week as Salernitana reignite interest

If this report is correct, this would be a real poor piece of negotiating from Leeds’ point of view with Hjelde having proven what he can offer to Daniel Farke’s side in pre-season.

Hjelde started both of the opening two friendlies at left-back and looked right at home in Farke’s system, inverting nicely in possession.

Manchester United v Leeds United - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Leeds are also desperately short at left-back going into the season with Junior Firpo injured and Hjelde now the only real option there.

If Leeds were to allow him to leave next week, they would effectively have no one available for selection in his position heading into Sunday’s opener with Cardiff City.

Hopefully these reports are wide of the mark as there is no reason for Leeds to allow Hjelde to leave for so cheap.