Leeds United stance on Tarik Muharemovic amid Sassuolo £34m valuation | OneFootball

Leeds United could have to pay a substantial fee to act on their interest in Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, with centre-back now a priority after Pascal Struijk’s £18m sale to Brighton.

According to Leeds Live, club sources say talks have not advanced beyond interest, and Sassuolo are holding out for about €40m (£34m).

That stance is influenced by Juventus being due 50 percent of any sale, and by rising competition. Juventus have been linked with a return, but are thought to prefer taking their share.

Leeds admire the 6ft 3in left-footer, who signed a five-and-a-half-year renewal in November, while Newcastle United, Sunderland and Bournemouth have enquired. Sassuolo want a Premier League sale and are thought to be anticipating a formal Leeds approach before long.

At 23, Muharemovic offers longevity and, like Struijk, is naturally left-footed, something that would appeal to Daniel Farke, who prefers centre-backs to play on their stronger side. He has operated in a back four for Sassuolo.

Leeds’ spending power is tighter under the new Squad Cost Ratio rules that replace Profit and Sustainability, so they must cut their cloth with fees. Sassuolo paid about £1.7m last summer and will push for a high price given his contract and the sell-on clause.

The 17-cap Bosnia and Herzegovina international featured at this summer’s World Cup. He started three matches, missing their only win over Qatar after being sent off against Switzerland in the final group game.

Source: Leeds Live