Pantelis Chatzidiakos is open to leaving AZ Alkmaar this summer amid interest from Leeds United.
That is according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, who report negotiations between the two clubs are well underway over a deal for Chatzidiakos but a deal is yet to be agreed with Leeds having reportedly offered £2.2 million.
Reports emerged following Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Cardiff City on Sunday that Chatzidiakos is a player of interest to the Whites this summer.
It came just a matter of hours after Liam Cooper was stretchered off the pitch after picking up what looked like a serious ankle or Achilles injury in the act of heading in Leeds’ first goal of the season.
Leeds were already prioritising a centre-back as their next move but Cooper’s injury is likely to accelerate that process, with just Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell options in that position.
Chatzidiakos now open to AZ exit amid Leeds interest
AZ are said to be holding out for a fee of between £2.5m and £3.5m for Chatizidiakos, who has made over 200 appearances for the Dutch side since moving from Panathinaikos in 2011.
The 26-year-old also has 27 caps at international level for Greece and would arrive at Leeds with good pedigree based on his career so far.
According to Greek outlet Sportime, Leeds and AZ have been in talks over a deal for two weeks now, which given the price tag, is a little odd it has not progressed quicker.
Chatzidiakos is primarily a central defender who can also play at right-back and his main strength is said to be his quality in possession, which would suit Daniel Farke’s style.
Leeds are also keen on Nat Phillips and Taylor Harwood-Bellis to fulfil that right centre-back position, and so it will be interesting to see whether they get this deal for Chatzidiakos over the line.
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