Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 32 Second Leg - TSG 1899 Hoffenheim v Molde - PreZero Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - February 25, 2021 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's Florian Grillitsch in action with Molde's Magnus Wolff Eikrem Pool via REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski
Leeds United are monitoring Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch ahead of a possible free transfer, according to The Telegraph.
The Lowdown: Grillitsch profiled
Grillitsch, who shares the same agent as Patrick Bamford, Dan James and Luke Ayling, has been with Hoffenheim since 2017 but is out of contract at the end of June.
The Austria international has made 151 appearances for his current employers, contributing to 19 goals. The defensive midfielder has actually turned out as a centre-back in recent months, and it looks as if he is the latest player on Victor Orta’s radar.
The Latest: Whites tracking
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath shared a transfer notebook on Friday morning, with Leeds getting a mention when it came to Grillitsch.
The Whites are thought to be monitoring the player ahead of a possible Bosman deal, with the reliable journalist also name-checking Arsenal and Everton with an interest.
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The Verdict: Get it done…
Leeds appear in desperate need of midfield reinforcements ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge with only four to choose from currently, so Grillitsch could be the perfect target to play alongside Kalvin Phillips.
Lauded as ‘extraordinary‘ by Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, Grillitsch has actually averaged more interceptions, clearances, key passes and fewer fouls than Phillips this season. [WhoScored]
Grillitsch can also play in a box-to-box midfield role, which could come in extremely handy at Elland Road, especially when you take into consideration the club’s injury woes this season.
The Whites can actually begin working on a pre-contract agreement for Grillitsch right now, however, their focus at this moment in time may well be on guaranteeing a third season in the Premier League before going after targets.
In other news: ‘Spoke to Leeds’ – Manager reveals talks with Radz for Orta signing; move possible before Palace.Â
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