FC Koln sporting director Christian Keller has shared a new update on Leeds United’s interest in Dejan Ljubicic.
Leeds are in the market for a new central midfielder before the end of the window with Fabrizio Romano confirming it is a ‘top priority’ at Elland Road right now.
Ljubicic has emerged as Leeds’ main target for the position this week with some members of the club’s recruitment team out in Germany with the rest of the squad.
Leeds are said to have made an opening offer of £3.3 million for Ljubicic, though it was rejected by Koln, despite him having just 12 months remaining on his deal.
Reports suggest Leeds could make a new offer for the 26-year-old by the end of the weekend, with a repeat of the negotiations to sign Jayden Bogle potentially on the cards.
Christian Keller shares new Ljubicic update
Ljubicic has shown no signs he will be signing a new deal anytime soon, though Koln are keen on offering him a contract extension.
Leeds’ interest is unlikely to be deterred by news of Koln’s stance, given he is a player who has been on the radar of Daniel Farke for around a year now.
Koln’s season actually gets underway next weekend and so in an interview with Express, sporting director Keller was asked to provide an update on the likelihood of keeping Ljubicic.
Keller is confident of Koln’s chances of keeping Ljubicic after what he’s seen of the Austrian in and around the training ground during pre-season.
He said: “I assume that Dejo will stay at FC and play a very good season for us. I see Dejo laughing more often again. Last year I didn’t see him playing football with as much joy as we were used to.
“For personal reasons, he didn’t have an easy time and was also repeatedly set back physically by many infections. We all know that if the mind is not well for a long period of time, it also has physical effects.
“I am pleased that Dejo is now feeling better again and is much more relaxed. Dejo can be a real difference maker for us.”
- READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano says West Ham could be priced out of move for ‘unbelievable’ Leeds United player
What has Ljubicic said about his future?
While Keller has made his stance clear regarding the future of his midfielder, Ljubicic was less certain about whether he would be staying when asked earlier this week.
While Ljubicic insisted his full focus remains on Koln right now, he did admit that he is on ‘contact with those responsible’ regarding the transfer speculation that surrounds him.
He said: “I am here and I am concentrating on the essentials, namely that I am performing well again. I just want to give it my all in training and offer myself to the new coach. That is the only thing that counts at the moment.
“Football is a fast-moving business. I am in contact with those responsible and my contract with FC runs until 2025 – I am here and I am happy.”
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