Leeds United have opened discussions over a deal to sign Bologna defender Filip Helander, according to Goal.
The website claim that the Championship outfit have tabled a bid worth £3.5million for the 24-year-old, as Thomas Christiansen seeks to add a new centre-back to his ranks this summer.
Helander only moved to Bologna on a permanent basis six months ago, having initially joined the club on a season-long loan from fellow Italian outfit Hellas Verona, but he could be on the move again.
He made just 11 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side last term, having seen his opportunities limited because of a series of niggling injuries.
Leeds manager Christiansen has already completed the signing of midfielder Mateusz Klich, while Werder Bremen goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald is reportedly set for a medical at Elland Road.
However, a centre-back is the next item on the agenda, and Christiansen is looking to replace the departed Kyle Bartley, who leaves after his loan spell expired, with Helander.
A permanent switch for the Swansea defender has been a possibility this summer, but Leeds are considering alternatives as he appears destined to be re-united with former Whites boss Garry Monk at Middlesbrough.
Helander, meanwhile, has previously played alongside current Leeds star Pontus Jansson for Malmo and for the Sweden national side, and Christiansen is keen to re-unite the pair at Elland Road.
The two-time international is open to a potential move to the Championship side this summer, although Leeds’ opening offer is understood to be below Bologna’s £5.3million valuation of the player.