Leeds are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Lugano forward Ezgjan Alioski – and fans of the Yorkshire giants on Twitter are universally delighted.
Swiss publication Corriere del Ticino claimed on Wednesday that United are trying to thrash out an agreement with the Swiss club for the Macedonia international and that a deal is close to being formalised.
It is said that Leeds are ahead of unnamed Italian clubs in the race to sign Alioski, 25, after negotiations with Lugano president Angelo Renzetti.
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.
That has not prevented the Elland Road faithful from getting excited about the Macedonian on social media, with one going as far as to suggest that his style of play reminded him of Barcelona great Luis Suarez.
This Is Futbol has rounded up the best tweets:
Alioski ???? reminds me a bit of Luis Suarez we would be mad lucky to land him @andrearadri @T9Christiansen get him signed up #LUFC #MOT
— Goose (@jamesmoran81) June 21, 2017
do i really really really really want Alioski??? #lufc pic.twitter.com/kIlYaXGqtL
— Brandon Yates (@BrandonYatess) June 21, 2017
If #LUFC get Alioski it will be a massive coup, Leicester lining him up if Mahrez decides to leave allegedly.
— RamblingsoftheSS (@_ROTSS_) June 21, 2017
This year I refuse to look at or get excited about any players until we actually sign them. * Types Alioski into YouTube #lufc
— Steve Kinsey (@YorkshireDublin) June 21, 2017
Klich saiz and alioski would be unreal signings let’s hope they get done #lufc
— Charlie Vieira (@CharlieEllzz) June 21, 2017
Alioski looks like he has everything skillfull, can finish and is not afraid to go at someone ????????????sign him up #lufc
— Alan Murphy (@AlanMurphyy) June 21, 2017
Alioski looks a cracking player tbh. No trouble finding back of the net, inch perfect penalties and can’t half strike a ball. #LUFC
— Matty James (@MJDLUFC95) June 21, 2017
Alioski looks a player, hopefully something in that #lufc
— LeedsUtdFC1919 (@LeedsUtdFC1919) June 21, 2017
Alioski has come to prominence after spearheading Lugano to a third-placed finish in the Swiss top division in the recent domestic season.
The 25-year-old finished as the third leading scorer in the Swiss league and also proved to be a great creator, with his haul of 17 goals from 36 matches in all competitions supplemented by 14 assists.
The 13-times Macedonia international 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.