Transfers

Leeds are now looking at deal for defender who won first Belgium cap last week

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Leeds United will already be putting plans in place for two scenarios in the upcoming transfer window.

It still remains uncertain as to what division Leeds will be playing in next season and so those behind-the-scenes in the recruitment team will be planning for the summer for both the Premier League and Championship.

Leeds are in a good position to secure an immediate return to the top-flight as they sit top of the table on 82 points from 38 matches, but it is far from over due to the high standard of those around them.

Nevertheless, Leeds have already been linked with a couple of names ahead in the event they do secure promotion, none more so than current loanee Joe Rodon.

In terms of new names, Borussia Monchengladbach left-back Luca Netz has been mentioned, while Fenerbahce striker Michy Batshuayi is reportedly a target at the end of his contract.

Leeds will have to strengthen in most areas this summer and there is now a new name to add to the list of centre-backs they may look to target, if promoted.

Journalist says Leeds battling Leicester and West Ham for Serie A defender

Transfer expert Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Leeds are among several clubs including Leicester City and West Ham United looking at Juventus centre-back Koni De Winter.

However, Jones does state that a deal for De Winter will be tough to pull off for any English side, as he is currently on loan at Genoa and just one appearance away from triggering an obligation-to-buy clause.

That does not necessarily completely rule out a move as Genoa could then move him on for a profit, though at this stage, Jones says it could be difficult to pull off.

Genoa CFC v AC Monza - Serie A TIM
Photo by Luca Rossini/NurPhoto via Getty Images

He said: “Any Wolves links to De Winter is interesting because I can understand why they would have needed to make contact by now. My information about this from checks with people in Italy is that he is expected to join Genoa permanently.

“As part of his move, there was a redemption obligation set at 23 appearances in Serie A, and he is currently at 22. Hence, I find it hard to imagine that there will be an opening for anything else to happen in that instance, but it’s an interesting rumour.

“I’m also told that Leicester, Leeds and West Ham have checked in on the situation.”

Who is reported new Leeds target Koni De Winter?

De Winter is still just 21-years-old but already has a couple of seasons of Serie A football under his belt, having been at Empoli last season prior to Genoa.

Republic of Ireland V Belgium
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

He has been at Juventus since the age of 16 but has played just twice for their first team, and it is unlikely to be anymore due to the buy clause in his loan deal at Genoa.

De Winter actually won his first cap for Belgium over the course of the most recent international break, playing 64 minutes of their 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Clearly De Winter is a highly rated young centre-back but it is going to take a lot of work for Leeds to be able to get this one done, if they get promoted.