Leeds United remain in talks to sign Udinese and Slovenia star Jaka Bijol and now widely-respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided an update on Thursday afternoon.
Bijol, 26, has enjoyed three brilliant seasons in Serie A with Udinese and is now regarded as one of the best defenders in the air in Europe. Indeed, Bijol has already clocked up a whopping 63 Slovenia caps.
Leeds are in talks to land Bijol, with reports of a price tag close to £20m initially quashed. Beren Cross of The Athletic reported this week that a fee for Bijol would be between £12.7m and £15.2m, if he signs.
Bijol himself has been open about his future and admitted he would like to “take the leap” and leave Udinese. He is happy to join a Premier League club or remain in Italian football with Roma interested.
Gianluca Di Marzio delivers new update on Leeds target Jaka Bijol
Now, an update from Di Marzio. The Sky Italy broadcaster and reporter has taken to his official X account to reassure Leeds fans that talks to sign Bijol are progressing and will continue to do so in the next hours.
However, Leeds have seen an initial bid for Bijol turned down by Udinese. The Italian club are expected to sell Bijol this summer with the defender’s contract due to expire at the end of the month, on June 30.
Di Marzio told his followers on social media: “| Udinese: first offer from Leeds rejected for Bijol. Contacts will continue in the next few hours.”
Marco Conterio delivers further Bijol update in more detail
TuttoMercatoWeb writer Marco Conterio had more information for onlooking Leeds fans on social media, who might be encouraged that talks are progressing but worried that Leeds have had a bid rejected.
Conterio wrote: “Negotiations between are progressing. Request of €20m [£17m], increased offer of Leeds, approaching the requests of Udinese. Positive feelings in the negotiation between the parties.”
There is no doubt that if Adam Underwood can pull off the signing of Bijol as his first piece of recruitment as sporting director, then it earns him some trust – with fans concerned over The 49ers hiring within.
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