Leeds eyeing 20-year-old Switzerland midfielder targeted by Celtic and two top German clubs
Leeds United are set to battle Scottish giants Celtic for FC Luzern captain Ardon Jashari, according to reports.
Jashari is just 20 years old but has already established himself as one of the best players in the Swiss top flight.
With transfer speculation looming, it seems inevitable that the youngster will be leaving Luzern this winter.
This is according to Sky Sports Germany, who claim that Jashari has received ‘various offers’ from around Europe.
While a departure is all but confirmed, the only question is where the highly-rated defensive midfielder will end up.
As per the same report, German clubs RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are currently the favourites to sign Jashari, while Leeds, Napoli and Celtic have now entered the race.
All of the teams are ready to move for Luzern’s star man, with the Swiss club demanding a fee in the region of €7m (£6.2m).
Jashari was a part of Switzerland’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, but only managed one substitute appearance in their 6-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 16.
While he was not a regular for his country, the fact that he was a part of the squad at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential.
For Luzern, he has been one of the club’s most important players since rising through the ranks and breaking into their first team in January earlier year.
Since, Jashari has made 40 appearances for the Swiss side, scoring two goals and making seven assists.
Leeds United target another long-term defensive midfield option
At the beginning of the season, Jesse Marsch signed 23-year-old Tyler Adams, as well as 25-year-old Marc Roca – both of whom look key performers for the Whites for the foreseeable future.
However, now the American manager is looking to add another to his ranks with Jashari, who could provide some excellent cover for both players.
His best attributes are his defensive and passing abilities. Jashari likes sitting deep in midfield and pulling the strings by supplying long balls to his wide players and strikers.
Jashari would be unlikely to go straight into Marsch’s starting XI, but with him being widely touted to have huge potential, getting a deal over the line would be a smart move for Leeds.
The Whites are also targeting other players this winter, making signing a new left-back a priority, so the Elland Road faithful could see a couple of new faces in their January 4 clash with West Ham.
Celtic, on the other hand, could also do with some midfield reinforcements.
Ange Postecoglou has been relying on the likes of Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor and Aaron Mooy in midfield this season, but with the latter being 32 years old, they could do with a long-term replacement and Jashari could be the ideal candidate.
However, Leeds and Celtic will have to move quickly to get their man, as Leipzig and Frankfurt currently remain the favourites to sign Jashari.
