🚨NEW :Leeds United’s recruitment team has been closely monitoring the progress of a promising £3.3 million-valued player for over a year, according to recent reports

One of Leeds United’s latest transfer targets has been on their radar for the past year.

   Leeds’ interest appears to date almost exactly from when Daniel Farke was first appointed manager at Elland Road, given that he was keen to have a major say in the club’s transfers.

   Farke worked closely with the rest of Leeds’ personnel team, Gretar Steinsson, Nick Hammond and Jordan Miles, who all moved on to 49ers ownership.

   In fact, some of them are even said to be in Germany with the team this week, often seen in talks with Farke, allegedly about transfers.

   Leeds brought in four new signings this summer and it’s almost certain they won’t stop there, with Farke still looking to strengthen a few positions.

   Leeds have been following Dejan Ljubičić for 12 months

   The central midfielder appears to be Leeds’ top priority at the moment after submitting a fresh bid for the player earlier this week.

   The Whites have not made any new signings since Jayden Bogle arrived seven days ago, but work has not stopped behind the scenes.

   Reports in Germany earlier this week confirmed that Cologne have rejected a £3.3m bid from Leeds for Dejan Ljubicic as the search for a brand new midfielder intensifies.

   Ljubičić has less than 12 months left on his contract with Cologne and has reportedly made it clear that he will not sign a new one.    Leeds are set to return this weekend with a new offering.

   Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, Athletic journalist Nancy Froston said he is a player Leeds have been monitoring for the past year, so it is not surprising that they are now moving in terms of his contract.

   She said: “I think he can play a more defensive role, last season he was a substitute for Koln at times, but there is no absolute need for him to play that role at Leeds.

   “He’s an Austrian international, good height at 6ft2 and 26. It sounds like Leeds have been tracking him for a while, maybe even a year, and now they’ve got him.  Looking at the contract situation, it’s a smart time to do it.”

   Leeds could make another bid for Ljubičić this weekend

   Ljubičić has definitely left the door open for a potential transfer this summer and that’s what Leeds want to bet on.

   As previously mentioned, it has been suggested in Germany that Leeds will make a second bid for the 26-year-old, and those reports have been backed up in England.

   Leeds are expected to be able to make a new offer of between £4.2m and £5.1m at the end of this weekend, which could be closer to Koln’s value.

   With Leeds’ recruitment team currently in Germany, this timeframe would certainly make sense as they would potentially want to complete the deal before they return to England.