Leeds are in ongoing talks to sign a “wonderful” new midfielder

Despite securing Leeds United's position in the Premier League this season, marks have been raised on the long-term future of manager Daniel Farke.

There is no doubt that the German has been successful at Elland Road, having secured promotion to the Championship, before struggling in his first season back in the top flight.

However, the 49-year-old player spoke about the need for investment this summer, and also said he wants support if the whites want to build in the 2025/26 campaign.

Farke could be offered a new contract to show his worth in Yorkshire, with a new three-year contract likely to be in place in the coming weeks.

The squad could be strengthened this summer after the German's demands, which led to a number of players being tipped for a move to Elland Road ahead of the window.

Leeds are in ongoing talks to sign a new midfielder

In an effort to strengthen the club's player department, a number of international players have appeared on Leeds' radar in recent weeks.

Sporting CP star Hidemasa Morita has been one name regularly linked with the Whites, but a deal has gone quiet in recent weeks.

The Japanese international has also appeared on Aston Villa's radar, which has seen Unai Emery's men leapfrog Farke in the race to secure his signature.

Other targets are still being pursued ahead of the summer, with Philadelphia Union star Johan Lukic emerging as the latest player to move to Elland Road.

According to Sports Boom, Leeds are in ongoing talks with the MLS club over the possibility of securing a move for the former Serbian U21 international.

The report also says that the player himself would be open to a move to the Premier League this summer, which could give the Whites a boost in their pursuit.

It is unclear how much the deal could cost during the upcoming window, but Farke's men currently lead Celta Vigo in the race for his signature.

Why Lukic will be the next Mateusz Klich for Leeds

Over the years, Leeds fans have been truly blessed with an abundance of top class midfield talent, with Mateusz Klich one player who captured the hearts of the Yorkshire fans.

The Polish star spent six years at Elland Road after joining FC Twente back in the summer of 2017 – often catching the eye with his efforts in the final third.

The 35-year-old made 196 appearances in all competitions, becoming a regular starter during the Whites' first two years back in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.

He registered 24 goals and 21 assists in that time, before leaving to join DC United on a free transfer in January 2023 – arguably leaving as a cult hero in Yorkshire.

However, Farke is likely to get his own version of Klich this summer with a move for Lukic – who has also endured a tour of Europe in his career so far.

He has appeared in Portugal and at home in Serbia, before going on sale in the United States – just like Klich did during his career.

The Serbian, dubbed “amazing” by journalist Jose Nunez, has netted four times in the past 18 months, often producing a moment of magic – like that of the Polish international.

His creation of chances has also caught the attention of America in recent months, with his statistics of 1.4 chances created per 90 putting him in the top 20% of players in MLS.

However, off the ball, Lukic has also shown his quality, as seen by his impressive statistics of 2.6 tackles and 5.4 defensive contributions per 90.

Other tallies, such as 50% dribbles completed and 5.1 possessions per 90, highlight his overall quality, which I could see mimicking Klich's success in Whites.

Although it is unclear how much the Philadelphia player's deal will cost this summer, it is clear that he is a player who could take his form to the next level in Yorkshire.

Concerns may be raised about his quality given his current time in MLS, but it's a gamble that could pay off big for Farke's side in the near future.

If he can get anywhere close to the levels Klich produced at Elland Road, it would be another smart piece of business and one that would allow the Whites to build on themselves this season.