Leeds ‘doing everything in their power’ to fend off Pascal Struijk interest, trio in race to agree deal
Leeds United are “doing everything in their power” to keep hold of centre-back Pascal Struijk this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are part of a whole host of Premier League clubs who are keen to try and prise the defender away from Elland Road ahead of next season.
The Whites are desperate to keep the 26-year-old and are prepared to fight to keep hold of him, and sources have indicated that they are “confident” of doing so if they can stay in the Premier League.
However, if Daniel Farke’s men are relegated to the Championship, then they will be “susceptible” to any offers that come their way for the Dutchman.
Leeds’ transfer plans do not involve the idea of losing any of their key men this summer, but Struijk’s proven top-flight ability is causing him to attract interest.
🔄 Leeds United Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Elland Road boardroom.
VISIT THE LEEDS TRANSFER HUBPascal Struijk interest to increase at the end of the season
Struijk almost left Leeds last summer, but he has returned to the fold to play a crucial role in their fight for Premier League survival in recent months.
The former Ajax youngster has been a staple of the defence alongside Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon, and his performances have caught the eye on the left side of Farke’s back three.
| Stats | Struijk | Bijol | Rodon |
| Apps (Starts) | 28 (27) | 18 (14) | 29 (29) |
| Defensive Contributions per 90 | 9.29 | 10.3 | 8.55 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.11 | 1.44 | 1.13 |
| Duels Won per 90 | 5.33 | 5.64 | 4.45 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1 | 1.51 | 0.95 |
| Dribbled Past per 90 | 0.48 | 0.21 | 0.28 |
He has missed just 97 minutes of league action since 23 November, and has only been substituted by Farke once in that run of games.
However, Leeds’ task appears set to get even harder when it comes to keeping him, with interest likely to build even further if they slump into the bottom three at the end of the campaign.
Struijk’s displays have alerted some of the Premier League’s top clubs to his ability, and there are several sides who are ready to pounce should the West Yorkshire outfit drop back down to the Championship.
The defender is also set to enter the final year of his contract at Elland Road this summer, which adds a further dimension to the situation surrounding his future.
Leeds also facing fear over Joe Rodon
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Leeds are also facing interest in Rodon, with several other Premier League clubs keen on him heading into the summer.
Brown suggested that it is natural for teams at the bottom of the table to be at risk of being raided in every window, but he feels that the Whites will be able to keep the Welshman if they stay up.
He has been part of an imperious defensive trio in recent months, and Farke and Co. are clear that they do not want to lose any member of that unit ahead of next term.
The landscape will shift drastically if they become a Championship team once again, but beat the drop, and they may have no such fears.
Leeds are keen to continue working towards establishing themselves as Premier League regulars once again, and fending off interest in key players is a huge part of that aspiration.
🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access
Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.