Euro 2024 is undoubtedly slowing down Leeds United and numerous other clubs when it comes to the summer transfer window.
The market has been open for almost two weeks now and Leeds are still yet to make a single signing, despite the promise of a quicker start to the window than this time last year.
However, representing your country at a major international tournament is one of the biggest honours any player can have, and so it is understandable why they would want to put club football on the backburner.
In fact, Leeds know that themselves all to well, with the future of defender Max Wober after his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach one of the biggest topics at the club right now.
However, both Leeds and Wober have agreed not to hold any discussions until after his time at Euro 2024 is over with Austria, which could certainly be for a little while longer yet.
Leeds target Adam Hlozek knocked out of Euro 2024
The first phase of Euro 2024 officially came to an end on Wednesday night as Czech Republic, Turkey, Portugal and Georgia played out the final set of group stage matches.
In this new format, only eight of the 24 teams have actually been knocked out, with four of the six third-placed teams in the group progressing to the last-16.
Following a 2-1 defeat to Turkey, Czech Republic were one of the nations to have been sent packing early, which could be good news for Leeds in the pursuit of one of their targets.
Leeds are reportedly battling West Ham United for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen striker Adam Hlozek this summer, who had been representing Czech out in Germany.
Hlozek was a bit-part player in Leverkusen’s record breaking season last term, starting just five Bundesliga matches. As such, he could be available for around £12 million, as per the Sunday Mirror, via Yorkshire Evening Post.
The 21-year-old will be keen for more game time next season and so could look to seek a quick resolution on his future so he can hit the ground running at a new club.
Now he is no longer at Euro 2024, it will enable him to switch his focus back towards how his transfer window could pan out, thus giving Leeds a better idea on whether they can sign him.
Hlozek would be a significant coup for Leeds
There is no doubt this is going to be a difficult deal to pull off for Leeds, particularly with a club like West Ham also interested.
However, Hlozek may find himself in a similar situation when it comes to game time at the Hammers, given the calibre of attacking players they have at their disposal.
He is one of the most highly rated players in Czech football and at the age of 21, has already been capped 33 times by his nation, while also making over 200 appearances at senior club level.
Hlozek can play both as a central striker and wide left attacker, though the obvious stumbling block here is going to be the £12 million fee.