Leeds United are reportedly leading the race to sign Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic but Italian outlet Torino Granata claim that Manchester United are also in the mix pursuing his signature – alongside Jose Mourinho’s Roma, ahead of January.
Lukic, 26, has been a regular for Torino since joining them in 2016. He has clocked up an impressive 163 appearances for Torino, wearing the no.10 shirt at the base of their midfield. His form in Italy has made him a regular for Serbia.
Indeed, Lukic has 34 caps for his country and has started both of their World Cup games. He will likely start again for Serbia tonight in Qatar, as his country face Switzerland – a game they need to win in order to qualify for the last 16.
A tall order for Serbia and Lukic. Brazil face Cameroon in the same group. CalcioMercato reported this week that Leeds will wait until his World Cup is over before starting talks to sign Lukic. Forza Roma say Leeds are leading the £13m race.
Now, the latest report from Italian sources claim that Leeds and Roma are not alone in their pursuit of Lukic. Indeed, bitter rivals Manchester United have joined the race for Lukic – with Erik ten Hag seemingly impressed by him in Qatar.
Leeds leading race to sign Lukic but Manchester United also in the mix
Leeds do need another midfielder. Another player to compete with Tyler Adams and Marc Roca. Adams has been superb but the form of Roca has been up and down, and there is a distinct lack of cover for the starting duo.
Stuart Dallas is an option, but he is coming off the back of a long-term injury. Adam Forshaw is also back, but is he good enough? His deal ends in June. Archie Gray is 16. Sam Greenwood has been good, but better further forward.
So, adding another option in the middle of the park – not simply to provide cover for Roca and Adams, but to compete, makes sense. At £13million, Lukic would be a bargain. But Manchester United may prove tempting.
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