Daniel Farke plays key role as Leeds submitting new Nico Elvedi bid

Leeds United are pushing to agree terms with Borussia Monchengladbach to sign Nico Elvedi, sources have told Football Insider.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a leading defensive target for the Whites, who are keen to bolster their side following the departure of Pascal Struijk to Brighton this summer.

Leeds are already believed to have seen an opening bid rejected by the Bundesliga outfit, but are primed to return with a new offer as they make progress towards a deal.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Daniel Farke is set to play a key role in Leeds signing Elvedi thanks to their prior relationship.

The versatile centre-back played under Farke while he was the manager at Monchengladbach, and is believed to be keen on a reunion should a deal be agreed.

Elvedi is currently away at the World Cup with Switzerland, where he has played an important part in their successful run to the quarter final where they will face Argentina.

Will Leeds United agree a deal for Nico Elvedi?

Football Insider revealed last month that Elvedi is keen on a move to Elland Road where he would link up with his former boss, and hopes a deal can be agreed.

With just one year remaining on his contract at Monchengladbach, he is expected to move on for the right price, with Leeds now pushing to reach an agreement.

Farke is believed to be the driving force behind their pursuit, and there is hope that they will get a deal over the line sooner rather than later.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's certainly an option for Leeds. There's been talk that they've had one offer rejected by Monchengladbach already this summer.

"We know that Leeds are looking probably to add to their defensive options in the summer. They've let Pascal Struijk go, so they will need to bring in at least one centre-back.

"Elvedi is somebody who would be a good fit for Leeds because obviously Daniel Farke has worked with him previously at Monchengladbach, so there's an admiration I think between both of them.

"If the opportunity was to come along, I'm sure he would be interested in a move to the Premier League and Leeds United."

Which other defenders are on Leeds' radar?

As Leeds step up their efforts to sign a new centre-back this summer, Elvedi is far from their only target, with the recruitment team working hard to identify options.

Strijk's move to Brighton has forced their hand in the market, and there is a growing feeling that they could spend big money in an attempt to match Farke's ambitions.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Leeds are ready to pay a "huge fee" in their pursuit of Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande.

The Sporting CP defender has a £69million release clause in his contract with the Portuguese club, while Crystal Palace were quoted £80m before he signed that deal last summer.

This comes after Farke demanded the board show ambition and back him in the summer transfer window amid hints he could otherwise walk away from his position.