Leeds battling Champions League regulars for 17-goal attacker – reliable journalist
By Danny Wright
Leeds are keeping close tabs on Macedonian international Ezgjan Alioski, according to a reliable journalist.
Radio Yorkshire commentator Joe Rawson claimed on his personal Twitter account that the FC Lugano attacker is a “target” of the Whites and didn’t train with his Swiss employers on Friday.
However it is understood that Champions League regulars FC Basel are also interested in Alioski and they will probably be hoping that he decides to stay in Switzerland after a brilliant season with Lugano.
The attacker, who is also adept at playing on the right wing, scored a stunning 17 goals across all competitions last season, and supplied a further 14 assists in 36 appearances.
Although born in Macedonia, and has 13 caps for his nation, Alioski has spent his entire career in Switzerland.
He rose through the ranks of the BSC Young Boys academy before moving to Schaffhausen in 2013.
After three years and just four goals in 92 appearances, he moved to Lugano in January 2016 and hasn’t looked back since thanks to his phenomenal goal scoring record last season.
Basel frequently qualify for the group stages of the Champions League as they are widely regarded as the best team in Switzerland. Last season they were knocked out of the group stages in a group containing Arsenal and Paris St. Germain.
Football Insider Verdict
Alioski ripped apart the Swiss Super League last season with both his goals and assists. He even spent one game playing as a left-back, but still managed to set up a goal for one of his team mates, such is the tenacity of his play making abilities. However, Alioski’s stats before last season are rather sketchy. His record at Schaffhausen was very underwhelming and Leeds could be looking at a potential one-season wonder in the Macedonian star. Nevertheless, as he plays for a relatively obscure team in one of Europe’s lesser-known leagues, Alioski could represent somewhat of a bargain – and it could be worth Thomas Christiansen taking the risk.
In other Leeds news, the Whites are set to complete the signing of this experienced player on Friday.
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