Leeds keen on 22-year-old midfielder from top-flight club – Sky journalist
By Derek Smithson
Leeds are eyeing a loan move for Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic, according to a reliable journalist.
Sky Sports Italy correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed on his personal website that the Whites are in the race to sign the 22-year-old.
It is understood that the Yorkshire giants will face competition from Lazio, AC Milan and Valencia for his signature.
Pasalic is expected to renew his contract at Stamford Bridge and set to continue his string of loan spells away from Chelsea next season.
The Blues have become renowned for having several talented youngsters out on loan and Leeds are looking to benefit from that next year by snapping up the central midfielder.
Pasalic spent last season on loan in Italy with AC Milan, where he scored five goals in 27 appearances for them.
The Croatia international impressed in the 2015/16 campaign too during his temporary spell at French club Monaco, scoring seven goals in 29 games.
Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen has already recruited Mateusz Klich to bolster his midfield options for next season, but could now make a swoop for Pasalic from the Premier League.
Football Insider verdict:
Leeds need to bring in a few additions if they are to mount a promotion push next year and Pasalic would be an excellent signing. The 22-year-old has performed very well in both the Italian and French leagues in the past two seasons, but still can’t seem to get a look in at Chelsea. His best chance of forcing his way into contention is to show his qualities in English football and Elland Road could be the perfect platform for him. The Whites need a goalscoring midfielder in their starting XI to help the balance of team and Pasalic would certainly terrorise Championship defences if he joined Leeds.
In other Leeds transfer news, they are battling to sign a £2million-rated International defender.
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