CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has said that Leeds United will face Premier League competition from the likes of Southampton for Morten Hjulmand.
The Lowdown: Leeds want Hjulmand
Journalist Rudy Galetti has reported that Jesse Marsch's side wants to sign the Lecce midfielder. The Dane has 3 assists in 16 Serie A matches, he's also got 11 caps for Denmark's under-21s and has yet to play for the senior national team.
Hjulmand boasts some outstanding defensive stats when compared to other midfielders in the last year, ranking in the top 3% for interceptions and the top 6% for clearances made from Europe's top divisions and competitions. (FBref).
At only 23-years-old the midfielder already has experience playing in the top flight not just in Italy, but in the Austrian league, making 68 appearances in Austria's Bundesliga for FC Admira Wacker Modling.
The Latest: Southampton make 'most advanced approach'
Speaking on Joe Wainman's YouTube channel, Jacobs claimed that Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Southampton all have the player in their sights. The Saints currently have the advantage, valuing Hjulmand at around £8.5 million.
He stated (12:24), "With Hjulmand the issue is the interest came originally from Nottingham Forest and from Leicester and then a little bit later down the line but very credibly from Southampton.
"Southampton are the club that have made the most advanced approach so far. Their initial valuation was as I understand it, £8.5 million and they were told that they'd have to fork over double that and Nathan Jones does want to get something done and there's a real feeling that Southampton are thin on the ground."
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The Verdict: Leeds needs Klich replacement
Earlier this month the Whites sold Mateusz Klich to D.C. United, the 32-year-old signed a two-year deal with the MLS side.
His departure is a big loss for Leeds in terms of experience, the Polish midfielder played 192 times for Leeds and knew the Premier League well making 82 appearances.
Perhaps the thinking is that a potential Klich replacement will be someone who can fill that central midfielder role for the long term, Hjulmand certainly fits the bill at only 23-years-old.
Additionally Marsch could utilise Lecce man in a few different ways in the middle of the park, Hjulmand can play as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder.
Should Leeds miss out on Hjulmand to the likes of Southampton or any other club, they must act quickly to find another midfielder in January to replace Klich.