New Leeds United target Dejan Ljubicic scores winner against Serie A side after Elland Road bid

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Dejan Ljubicic has emerged as Leeds United’s latest transfer target this weekend but on Saturday, he did not let the rumours get to his head as he scored a winner for Koln against Serie A opposition.

Ljubicic, 26, was the subject of a bid believed to be worth around £3.3m from Leeds. It comes after spending the last few years in the Bundesliga with Koln, who have now been relegated to the second tier.

Not only that, but the nine-time Austria star has entered the final 12 months of his contract and is likely to be available if the price is right. Leeds are expected to make a second bid for the versatile Ljubicic.

Indeed, a player that can play on either wing but is naturally a central midfielder. Last season he played in defensive midfield, but also further forward as a no.8 and a 10 for Koln, missing just eight league games.

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Ljubicic scores winner against Udinese for Koln in 3-2 win

Amid the rumours and a move to Leeds before the club return to Yorkshire from Germany on Monday, Ljubicic scored a well-placed winner. A game that saw Koln and Udinese share four goals in the first half.

If Koln believed Leeds were going to sign Ljubicic, he might not have played the 85 minutes he did on Saturday against Udinese. But it was to Koln’s benefit, as he scored the only goal of the second half.

Neatly played in on the right by Luca Waldschmidt, Ljubicic slammed an effort into the roof of the net with his right foot. Below, is Koln’s highlights of the match on YouTube, with Ljubicic scoring on 3.50.

Ljubicic shows Leeds why they have to make second bid

There is no doubt that having a player with nine Austria caps, nearly 100 appearances in Germany’s top flight and one that can play pretty much all over midfield, is going to wholly improve this Leeds side.

Ljubicic has experience, versatility, know how and can be signed for a relatively small sum given Koln’s relegation and his contract expiring in 2025. That is despite Leeds having an initial bid rejected for him.

With Glen Kamara gone and versatile duo Stuart Dallas and Jamie Shackleton now off the books, it is a signing Leeds really need to try and make. Especially, if his goal on Saturday is anything to go by.