Leeds United have missed out in the race to sign a Bulgarian teenager this summer as Serie A side Lecce strike, with Real Madrid and Everton also losing out.
The Whites are yet to make any new signings in the transfer window despite a number of players set to leave Elland Road in the coming weeks and months, with The 49ers expected to cash in on a few key stars.
The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Archie Gray, Ilia Gruev and more have been linked with the exit door at Elland Road, with Leeds required to sell to help pay their credit card bill.
But that means replacements will have to come in, while maintaining a profit. Leeds are likely to sign a few free agents, perhaps consider the loan market or sign players on the cheap and sell them for more.
Since Victor Orta’s exit, focus on the academy has not been very high. But Italian site Sport Mediaset say Leeds have been targeting a 17-year-old Bulgarian defender that was plying his trade in Spanish football.
Leeds and Real Madrid miss out on 17-year-old Bulgarian talent
Leeds do have a number of young centre-backs on the books. Diogo Monteiro was signed from Servette in January 2023 and is Portugal’s Under-19 captain, but is yet to make a breakthrough into the first team.
Kris Moore is also a talented option, while Charlie Cresswell looks set to depart. For a fee of £3m, French side Toulouse and second-tier German club Hannover are interested in the England Under-21 defender.
It might be that Leeds are targeting a teenage centre-back, with Sport Mediaset claiming Leeds were one of the clubs interested in 17-year-old Cristian Nikolaev who has been playing for Alcorcon’s B-team.
Nikolaev makes big decision despite Leeds interest this summer
Yet to make his senior debut, the young Bulgarian has made a decision amid huge interest. Alongside Leeds, clubs such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Everton were all keen on Nikolaev.
But the Bulgarian has chosen to join Serie A side Lecce, who finished in 14th place in Italy’s top tier last term. It might be that he sees an easier route into the first team, ahead of the likes of Leeds and Madrid.