Leeds United target Ezgjan Alioski was absent from Lugano training on Friday in a clear indication that he is edging closer to a transfer.
Radio Yorkshire journalist Joe Rawson reported on his personal Twitter account that the wide forward skipped training with the Swiss club as a pan-Europe battle intensifies for his future.
#lufc target Ezgjan Alioski did not train today with Lugano. Basel also interested in him
— Joe Rawson (@joerawson) June 30, 2017
One possible reason is that he could be set to transfer to Elland Road as the club continue their extensive summer overhaul.
Leeds are pushing hard to sign Alioski amid reports a deal had been done but, in a dramatic twist, it emerged that the player could snub a transfer to the Championship big hitters and join FC Basel instead.
Swiss news outlet Ticino News reported on Thursday morning that Alioski had rejected interest from Bundesliga and Serie A clubs to agree terms with United and went so far as to say he “is a player of Leeds”.
However, another Switzerland publication Fussball Infos raised the prospect on Thursday evening of a major U-turn from the Macedonia international, 25, as it explained that he could move to the Swiss champions Basel.
It is said that interest in Alioski from the Champions League regulars, who have qualified for the group stage of next season’s competition, has been in place since last month and “is not yet off the table”.
Leeds are reportedly working on a number of deals, including the signings of Werder Bremen goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald and Huesca forward Samuel Saiz, and have also been strongly linked with wide man Alioski since the middle of last week.
He spearheaded Lugano to a third-placed finish in the Swiss top division in the recent domestic season with 17 goals from 36 matches supplemented by 14 assists.