Club now want to hand ‘special’ player a new contract to stop Leeds United from signing him

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United face a fight to get a deal for their next target over the line.

Both in terms of incomings and outgoings, things have slowed down in the transfer market this week at Elland Road, with Leeds currently away in Germany.

Though members of Leeds’ recruitment team are out there with the rest of the squad, Daniel Farke is clearly focused on his work on the training field, as well as the two friendlies.

However, that is not to say work is not going on behind-the-scenes and chiefs have been spotted holding conversations with Farke, presumably about transfers.

Farke is still keen on adding more players to his squad and with two weeks to go until the opening day clash with Portsmouth, he will want them in by then.

• READ MORE: What Leeds United are telling clubs who try to sign Crysencio Summerville this summer

FC Koln stance on Leeds target Dejan Ljubicic revealed

Leeds have spent around £15 million on transfer fees so far this summer but that figure is expected to rise before the end of the window.

Midfield remains a top priority for Leeds having lost both Glen Kamara and Archie Gray, and they have been making moves towards strengthening that position this week.

Leeds have seen a £3.3 million offer rejected by FC Koln for Austrian international midfielder Dejan Ljubicic, who appear to be Farke’s number one target by now.

Leeds are expected to make a new bid before the end of the weekend but according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Patrick Berger, Koln want to keep him.

The ‘special‘ Ljubicic has less than 12 months remaining on his deal at Koln but Berger claims they are keen on handing him a new one, of which the 26-year-old has made no indication he would sign.

Greek side PAOK have also been named as a potential interested club, but Leeds are the only one to have made an offer so far.

• READ MORE: The Leeds United youngster who Joe Rodon has really taken to in pre-season so far

Leeds have been tracking Ljubicic for 12 months

According to journalist Nancy Froston, Ljubicic is a player Leeds have been tracking for the last year now, which does coincide with when Farke was appointed.

Farke has already used the Bundesliga to strengthen his squad as Leeds manager and Froston says this is a good time to move for Ljubicic due to his contract situation.

She said: “I think he can play that more defensive role, he did fill in at times for Koln last season but there isn’t that pressing need for him to play that role for Leeds.

“He’s an Austria international, good height on him at 6ft2 and 26. It sounds like Leeds have been tracking him for a little while as well, possibly even for a year and they’ve gone in for him now. Looking at the contract situation, it’s a smart time to do it.”