Pascal Struijk has become Leeds' summer priority as contract situation provides concern

Pascal Struijk is attracting interest from the Premier League this summer amid a potential move away from Leeds United.

The Dutchman has enjoyed a fine season on the Whites' return to the top flight, and will hope to see them over the line in their fight for safety.

Struijk has been with Leeds since 2018, when he joined from the Ajax academy as a teenager.

The 26-year-old has since made almost 200 appearances, winning the Championship both in 2020 and last season.

Leeds transfer chiefs will now be faced with the prospect of Struijk's departure, should they not be able to agree a new deal with the defender.

Leeds must prioritise Pascal Struijk deal

Football Insider exclusively revealed this week that Leeds are trying to keep Struijk this summer, but the situation is growing more difficult.

The 26-year-old's contract is set to expire in 2027, and his performances of late have seen interest in his services start to mount.

Struijk has always demonstrated his loyalty to Leeds, but an offer that would see him play European football would surely be hard to turn down.

The Whites will not give up hope, however, with there always being a chance that the Dutchman can be convinced.

Should decision-makers at Elland Road show ambition this summer and push the boat out in the transfer market, Struijk may well decide that his future remains in West Yorkshire.

It is clear that Leeds face a monstrous job replacing the 26-year-old if he does decide to leave, with the past few months providing proof of just how important he is to Daniel Farke's team.

What has Struijk said about his future?

Struijk faced plenty of criticism earlier in the season, with many fans questioning the decision to start him over new signing Jaka Bijol.

The pair have since formed a back three with Joe Rodon, forming a superb trio which has kept consecutive Premier League clean sheets.

Struijk's improved form has come with the downside of foreign interest, with the Dutchman expected to be on several clubs' radars.

"I had some options to leave, but that didn't happen," he told ESPN NL in January. "That had to do with multiple parties. From my side, there was something I really wanted to do.

"But the three parties: me, the club, and the other club, would all ultimately have to come to an agreement. If that doesn't happen, then I simply have a contract and I do my job.”

Such words do not provide great confidence in Leeds' ability to tie the defender down to a new deal. Hope will remain, however, with decision-makers unlikely to let him go without a fight.