Leeds ‘interested in signing’ John Stones as Tarik Muharemovic deal reshapes defence | OneFootball

Leeds United have reshaped their defence with Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back Tarik Muharemovic joining from Sassuolo for £34m on a five-year deal, the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.

As the club completed his medical, the BBC reports that Leeds were interested in signing England international John Stones, now a free agent after his contract at the Etihad expired this summer.

Muharemovic arrives after fellow left-sided centre-back Pascal Struijk joined Brighton in a £20m move. He is expected to form a first-choice back three with Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol if Daniel Farke keeps faith with last season’s system.

James Justin and Sebastiaan Bornauw add further depth at centre-back, and captain Ethan Ampadu can drop into defence if needed.

It is understood Leeds looked into Stones late last season, although his wages were likely to be a stumbling block. Given the new arrival, it would be a surprise if the club signed another centre-back this summer.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk