According to the latest reports from Talksport, Leeds United are one of the teams interested in signing Croatian midfielder Josip Vukovic. The midfielder currently plies his trade for Maritimo in the Portuguese top flight, and he is said to be available for £1.5m. Premier League clubs like Southampton and Aston Villa are also said to be interested. The player is also said to be keen on a move to England this summer.
The 27-year-old is a defensive midfielder, and he made 28 appearances in all competitions last season for the Portuguese side. This is not the first time that Vukovic has been linked with a move to England as he was linked with Chelsea a few months ago. The midfielder was even scouted by the likes of Leicester City, Watford, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Does Leeds United need a defensive midfielder?
It seems like Kalvin Phillips is likely to stay at the club for the Whites. The Englishman is obviously going to be the first choice in the defensive midfield position. With Pontus Jansson departing, the midfielder could be shifted to play as a centre back if there are injuries or suspension to Gaetano Berardi and Liam Cooper.
So maybe bringing in another defensive midfielder won’t be a bad idea. Moreover, Vukovic isn’t going to cost a bomb, so he is worth considering. However, defensive midfield is not the position where the Whites really need reinforcement given the way they are short in other departments. Adam Forshaw is also a plausible option for that role.
What can Vukovic bring to the table?
The 27-year-old is known to be a midfielder powerhouse, and his primary role is to sit back and shield the backline. Vukovic has got impressive strength and stamina, and he is a nagging player in the middle of the park for the opposition.
The Croatian can read the game well and make smart interceptions and tackles. Apart from that, Vukovic can also form a good base of attack as he has impressive on the ball qualities as well.
Can Leeds United sign him and are they likely to go for him?
With Premier League clubs in the mix, they are probably in a better position to lure the midfielder. The signing of Vukovic would bring depth to the roster for the Whites and will give Bielsa more options. However, we don’t see them spending on a defensive midfielder in the rest of this window when other positions like centre back and forward still need reinforcements.
