Fabrizio Romano: Leeds United 'to sign' Tarik Muharemović in £34m deal | OneFootball

Leeds United are closing in on Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović. Gianluca Di Marzio reports the defender is set to join, while Fabrizio Romano has posted his "here we go" signal as final details are arranged.

Sunderland look likely to miss out after tracking the 23-year-old, with Bournemouth also interested. Leeds are understood to have offered the highest fee and the strongest salary package.

The move is expected to be worth around £34million. Sassuolo are set to receive roughly half, with Juventus entitled to the other 50 percent via a sell-on clause from his Turin exit.

Leeds’ need at centre-back grew after Pascal Struijk departed, prompting a decisive push despite competition. That urgency appears to have shaped both the bid and personal terms.

Sunderland can offer Europa League football next season, yet Régis Le Bris already has several senior centre-backs, allowing the club to keep discipline rather than match a package above £30million.

Muharemović had been among Sunderland’s defensive options for a campaign spanning the Premier League and Europe, but the fee reflects Sassuolo’s stance given Juventus’ clause. Leeds are expected to conclude the remaining steps before confirming his switch to Elland Road, while Sunderland assess alternative targets.

Source: Sunderland Echo