BILD reporter Christian Falk has written in his Caught Offside column that Leeds United were in talks to sign Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos in January – and that interest could remain when the summer window re-opens.
Mavropanos, 25, joined Stuttgart from Arsenal on a permanent deal last summer for a fee of £3million. It comes after two years previously on loan at the Bundesliga club. He has since clocked up 72 outings for Stuttgart, scoring seven.
The Greece international’s performances have seen him regularly linked with a move to the Premier League – and other European sides. BILD reported themselves in January that Diego Simeone was interested, in a deal worth £13million.
An instant profit of £10million for Stuttgart, had they cashed in. They did not, and Mavropanos remains at Stuttgart. Falk said Leeds held talks to land the defender and that interest could remain in the summer, after Diego Llorente left.
Leeds were in talks to sign Stuttgart defender Mavropanos in January
Leeds look thin on the right side of defence. So much so, we wrote the need to recall Charlie Cresswell from Millwall in January. That did not happen. Leeds did consider Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe, but he has joined Stoke City.
While the Whites may get away with it for six months, Leeds do need another central defender. One to replace the loss of Llorente, who has joined Roma. A permanent deal is likely, for the Spain star. A right-footed centre-back is needed.
Mavropanos fits the bill. Still only 25, with know how of English football and a decent price of around £13m if that is still the same fee in the summer. By then, Diogo Monteiro might have come into the Leeds side, but he is still only 18.
But if the situation remains as it does now, then Leeds do need to consider a signing in that area. Mavropanos would be the ideal signing, not least because Simeone has shown interest. It will be interesting to see if a move is made soon.
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