Leeds United ‘to sign’ Tarik Muharemović in £34million deal as Sunderland look set to miss out | OneFootball

Leeds United are closing on the signing of Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović in a deal worth about £34million, a move that would leave Sunderland empty-handed. The 23-year-old had been on Sunderland’s list ahead of a season combining the Premier League and Europe.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports the defender is set to join Leeds, with the final details being put in place on a €40million agreement. Fabrizio Romano has also signalled that the agreement is close via his customary catchphrase on social media.

The package is expected to see Sassuolo receive roughly half of the fee, with Juventus due the other 50 percent through a sell-on clause from his Turin exit.

Muharemović attracted interest from Sunderland and Bournemouth, but Leeds are understood to have tabled the highest bid and the strongest salary package. Their urgency follows Pascal Struijk’s departure and a clear need at centre-back.

Despite being able to offer Europa League football, Sunderland chose not to match a package in excess of £30million. With Régis Le Bris already stocked with senior central defenders, the club intend to stay disciplined and will now assess alternative targets.

Leeds are expected to wrap up the remaining steps before confirming Muharemović’s move to Elland Road.

Source: Sunderland Echo