Exciting playmaker rejects new contract just hours after being linked with Leeds United move

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The last few days have seen Leeds United step up their bid to bring in an influx of new players at Elland Road and aim to provide Daniel Farke with a squad capable of Premier League survival.

Firstly, Jaka Bijol emerged as a strong contender to join Leeds. Joe Donnohue reports that Leeds are willing to meet the Udinese star’s £18m-£19m asking price, with Bijol opening the door to a transfer.

After the Slovenia ace, Leeds made a bid for Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra. There are doubts that Leeds can pull off a £22m move with Leeds chiefs less confident about signing Diarra than they are for Bijol.

On Tuesday, Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno was strongly linked after he returned from a loan with Nottingham Forest during 2024-25. Following that, Leeds were said to be in talks for Mario Stroeykens.

• READ MORE: Midfielder confirms move to Swindon Town after being released by Leeds

Leeds target Mario Stroeykens makes decision on Anderlecht deal

The Anderlecht talent has enjoyed a brilliant 12 months, having a hand in 12 goals. In terms of his stats, Stroeykens produced a goal or an assist 126 minutes more often than Brenden Aaronson last season.

Leeds are in contact to sign Stroeykens, who is rated at £17m and also liked by West Ham. Now, Belgian outlet Voetbal Belgie say Anderlecht have offered Stroeykens a new contract in order to keep him.

But, Stroeykens has made the bold decision to turn down his boyhood club and now an exit feels inevitable this summer. His current deal with the Belgian side is due to expire in a year’s time, in 2026.

Stroeykens is not the only Anderlecht player on Leeds’ radar

Leeds had been touted to sign players from the Premier League, or players with Premier League experience, moving on from the mistakes of the 2022 summer window, which resulted in relegation.

But recent reports state that Leeds are also scouring Europe for talent with Bijol, Diarra and Stroeykens on the radar. Interestingly, Stroeykens is not the only Anderlecht player to be linked with Leeds this summer.

Denmark striker Kasper Dolberg is also a target for Leeds having scored an impressive 24 goals for the Belgian giants last season. Stroeykens had a hand in some of those goals and is now set for a transfer.