Wolves man Ladislav Krejčí a 'contender' to replace Pascal Struijk at Leeds United but Newcastle United 'keen'
A Wolves defender is reportedly a strong contender to replace Pascal Struijk at Leeds United
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ladislav Krejčí is reportedly a strong contender to replace Pascal Struijk at Leeds United - but the Whites could seemingly face competition from Newcastle United.
Brighton & Hove Albion appear to be closing in on the capture of Struijk, who is entering the final year of his contract at Elland Road.
It has been suggested Leeds will pocket an initial fee of £15m plus £3m in add-ons for the 26-year-old, who joined the Whites from Ajax’s academy nearly a decade ago.
Struijk’s exit would leave Leeds without a left-footed centre-back and Krejčí fits the mould as a potentially ideal replacement.
Leeds United looking at Wolves defender
The 27-year-old has previously been linked with the Whites and according to TEAMtalk, he is a strong contender to fill Struijk’s shoes.
He spent last season on loan at Molineux from Girona and although a clause is set to turn his deal permanent, an exit is said to be on the cards following Wolves’ relegation to the Championship.
Wolves will reportedly look to pocket around £40m for the Czech Republic international, who Newcastle are described as being keen on.
Leeds United’s centre-back links
If Struijk does seek pastures new as expected, Leeds manager Daniel Farke will be left with Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw as his senior options in the heart of defence.
Max Wober is due back after an injury-plagued season on loan at Werder Bremen but a reintegration for the Austria international appears unlikely.
A dip into the market for another centre-back does appear likely and Krejčí is one of many names to have been mooted as a potential target.
There has talk of interest in the likes of outgoing Union Berlin pair Diogo Leite and Danilho Doekhi, as well as Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, Juventus’ Lloyd Kelly and Parma’s Mariano Troilo.
Krejčí would arguably be a good fit as a Struijk replacement given he is left-footed, but Kelly and Leite also favour their left foot.