Sources: Leeds plan to accept Sebastiaan Bornauw offer after signing replacement
Leeds United will only allow centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw to leave the club if they can line up a suitable replacement, sources have told Football Insider.
The Belgian has emerged as a target for German side Hamburg, who are keen to take him back to the Bundesliga after a year in the Premier League.
However, Leeds are reluctant to lose him at the moment, until they are confident that they can get a replacement through the door.
Sources have indicated that the Whites won't stand in the way of Bornauw's exit, provided that a suitable offer comes in that suits all parties.
Daniel Farke and Co. would also need to be left with the time and money to find an alternative option to the 27-year-old before the 1 September deadline.
Bornauw started just five games for Leeds in the Premier League last term, but is still viewed as an important cog in their project.
Daniel Farke's tactics affecting Sebastiaan Bornauw's future
Leeds saw great success in the second half of last season when they switched to their back three formation, and they are set to continue with that shape this term.
Farke has continued to work on that system throughout pre-season, and the West Yorkshire outfit are widely expected to use it from the off in 2026-27.
However, that does create a need for more centre-back options than a club would typically carry in a season.
After Pascal Struijk's move to join Brighton, Bornauw is one of just four natural fits for the back three, making him an important part of the project right now.
Leeds are not against losing him before the end of the window, but are adamant that they cannot allow their defensive options to grow any thinner.
With that in mind, a sale of Bornauw will not be entertained until the club feel that there is a strong chance of a replacement coming through the door.
Joel Piroe closing in on Leeds exit
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Monday that Leeds striker Joel Piroe is closing in on an exit from Elland Road.
The Whites have been trying to offload the Dutchman all summer, and Farke recently left him on the bench for all 120 minutes of their friendly against RB Leipzig.
The boss then admitted after the game that Piroe is way down the pecking order, something Brown believes is a surefire indication that his exit is close.
Leeds have been prioritising the addition of a new striker all summer, and they are still searching for the right man to provide support for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.