Leeds United have had a quiet week in the transfer market since announcing Jayden Bogle’s arrival last Saturday.
Bogle has settled in quickly with the rest of his Leeds teammates having joined for £5 million from potential promotion rivals Sheffield United.
He got his first taste of action in a Leeds shirt on Wednesday and did not take long to make an impact as he provided a lovely assist for Mateo Joseph in a 4-1 win over Hannover.
In joining from Bramall Lane, Bogle became signing number four of the summer but is certainly not expected to be the last.
Daniel Farke confirmed earlier this week that central midfield and full-back remain on his list of priorities, and new wingers could well come onto the radar if Crysencio Summerville and/or Wilfried Gnonto leave.
Leeds could replicate Bogle deal with Dejan Ljubicic
From the time it was first rumoured, to the time it was announced, Leeds took around a week to get the deal wrapped up for Bogle.
Until a £5 million fee was eventually agreed, Leeds saw their first two offers turned down by Sheffield United and speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, journalist Joe Donnohue feels a ‘similar scenario’ could play out with new target Dejan Ljubicic.
Leeds have turned to Ljubicic in their search for a new midfielder and saw a £3.3 million offer rejected by FC Koln, though are expected to bid again.
Donnohue says that once Leeds have a target in mind, it is rare that a rejected bid ever deters them from continuing their pursuit, which could be the case with Ljubicic.
He said: “He’s got less than 12 months left on his current deal and Bild in Germany are reporting he doesn’t have any intention of extending that contract, so it does put Koln in a difficult situation.
“It is similar to Jayden Bogle, do you sell now and cash in, do you let him go for a knock down price in January, or do you use him for another season, try get back into the Bundesliga and let him go on a free.
“That’s the state of play with things at the moment and Bild say Leeds will go in with an improved offer. You can anticipate that considering this summer, when Leeds have bid for a player like Bogle, the initial offer has been rejected, as is often the case in transfers, they have gone back again.
“They had two bids rejected for Bogle before a fee was eventually agreed. I could see a similar scenario playing out with Ljubicic.”
What Leeds target Ljubicic has said about his future
Just 24 hours before news of Leeds’ bid for Ljubicic was reported by the press, the 26-year-old was asked about how he sees his future at Koln playing out.
Ljubicic has less than 12 months remaining on his deal in Germany and while claiming focus remains on his current side, he certainly left the door open for a move.
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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