Lugano forward Ezgjan Alioski is being tracked by clubs all over Europe amid reports he is close to joining Leeds United, his agents have told a BBC journalist.
Swiss publication Corriere del Ticino claimed on Wednesday that the Yorkshire giants are in talks with the the right-winger’s club Lugano and are expected to seal a deal ahead of unnamed Italian clubs.
It is reported that Leeds have held discussions with Lugano president Angelo Renzetti in an attempt to thrash out an agreement and all that remains is for the transfer to be “formalised”.
Alisoki’s representatives have admitted to BBC journalist Adam Pope that their client is a player in demand following his outstanding 2016-17 campaign but refused to substantiate speculation that a deal with Leeds is all but done.
“We’ve received many inquiries regarding the player & will analyse them all in due time,” the Macedonia international’s agents told Pope, as quoted on his personal Twitter account.
“Due to his massive impact at Lugano last season its understandable Ezgjan Alioski is a sought after player all over Europe.”
Reps of Macedonia winger Ezgjan Alioski say: “We’ve received many inquiries regarding the player & will analyze them all in due time.” #lufc pic.twitter.com/ICgEQ8uNJo
— Adam Pope (@APOPEY) June 21, 2017
His agency says it is reluctant to fuel reports linking Alioski, who scored 17 goals in 36 games for FC Lugano, with a move to #lufc .
— Adam Pope (@APOPEY) June 21, 2017
But add: “Due to his massive impact at Lugano last season its understandable Ezgjan Alioski is a sought after player all over Europe.” #lufc
— Adam Pope (@APOPEY) June 21, 2017
Alioski has caught the attention of clubs across Europe after his exploits for top-tier Swiss outfit Lugano, who finished third in the top division in the recent domestic season.
The 25-year-old finished as the third leading scorer in the Swiss league after accumulating 17 goals from 36 matches in all competitions, with 16 of his goals coming from 34 league encounters.
In addition, Alioski, who has accumulated 13 full Macedonia caps, was also one of the most creative players in the division, supplying 14 assists for his teammates.
He could now become the first signing under new Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen, although the Yorkshire giants have also been strongly linked in the last 24 hours with FC Twente central midfielder Mateusz Klich.
Leeds officials made it clear when Christiansen was unveiled on Monday that they are looking to significantly strengthen the playing squad in the coming weeks.