Leeds in constant contact to sign 4-time title winner as release clause emerges

Leeds United have now joined the race to sign an impressive midfielder ahead of rival interest from Portuguese giants FC Porto, as they seek their first arrival of the summer.

Leeds battling to sign in-demand midfielder

This time last summer, the Whites were under immense pressure to get things right in the transfer window. They knew they faced the risk of instant relegation if their recruitment failed them. After all, the last six promoted sides before them had all failed to avoid the drop at the first time of asking.

However, Pressure – as far as the 49ers are concerned – makes diamonds. Those at Elland Road did not panic and welcomed the likes of Anton Stach, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, who all thrived in their first season in Yorkshire.

Now, one year later, Leeds are hoping to see similar diamonds arrive. Plenty of names have already threatened to steal the headlines, including Harvey Elliott, who has emerged as a potential target.

Alas, before any of those names can enter Elland Road, a title-winning star could arrive. According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Leeds are now in constant contact about signing Mauro Junior from PSV Eindhoven this summer.

The left-back reportedly has an affordable release clause in his current contract, which would certainly simplify negotiations for the 49ers, but also has interest from Porto – sparking an early transfer battle.

Of course, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there’s such interest in Mauro Junior. He’s a four-time Eredivisie winner and has become a fan favourite at PSV, who are trying to tie him down to a new deal with a larger exit fee.

Impressive Mauro Junior could rival Gudmundsson

If Leeds are to become an established Premier League side, then the addition of quality in depth should be their top priority this summer. And that should result in the arrival of Mauro Junior.

The Brazilian, who can play as a left-back, centre-back and right-back would instantly provide cover for three positions and provide competition for the likes of Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The numbers suggest that the PSV star would push Gudmundsson all the way for a starting place next season. Even though he’s not played as a wing-back in the Netherlands, Mauro Junior’s nine assists show that he would have no trouble in a more advanced role.

Whether Leeds can jump ahead of Porto in the race to sign the South American is now the big question. He’d certainly be worth the battle if Daniel Farke is to land an instant upgrade in the summer transfer window.

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