Things are hotting up from a Leeds United perspective this summer as Adam Underwood looks to get the ball rolling as the club’s new sporting director.
On the weekend, it emerged that Leeds were working hard to sign Jaka Bijol. Udinese’s 62-time Slovenia international has opened the door to an exit and Leeds are willing to meet Bijol’s £18m-£19m price tag.
It was then reported in France that Leeds had made a £22m bid to sign Senegal star Habib Diarra, after another fantastic season as captain of Strasbourg. The 21-year-old is in action against England tonight.
Tuesday morning saw another new link. Leeds have held talks to sign Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno after his loan at Nottingham Forest, and now The Whites are said to have staged talks for a Belgian ace.
Leeds United open talks to sign Mario Stroeykens
Leeds have clearly indicated which positions they want to strengthen, with centre-back covered by Bijol, central midfield with Diarra and a replacement for the outgoing Junior Firpo with the addition of Moreno.
One other priority for Leeds is likely to be a no.10 given Brenden Aaronson’s form. Well, Leeds seem to have an answer for that, too. Sacha Tavolieri says Leeds have held talks for talent Mario Stroeykens.
Anderlecht’s 20-year-old attacking midfielder has enjoyed a brilliant 2024-25 season, having a hand in 12 goals in 39 games. A 12-time Belgium U21 international, Stroeykens is now a target for Underwood.
Tavolieri reported: “Leeds United are targeting Mario Stroeykens! Interested in the Belgian’s profile, the Peacocks have started initial discussions around personal terms. No offer (yet) made to Anderlecht.”
West Ham also want to sign Anderlecht’s Mario Stroeykens
Belgian publication La Derniere Heure say Leeds are not the only side interested in Stroeykens. Indeed, West Ham want the playmaker, who has already clocked up a huge 132 appearances for Anderlecht.
Anderlecht are renowned for bringing through their own youth, the likes of Youri Tielemans and Leander Dendoncker both making it to the Premier League in recent seasons and of course, Romelu Lukaku.
It is believed that Anderlecht have offered Stroeykens a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2026. If he refuses the bid, then a fee of £17m is required to land the Belgian in the coming weeks.
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