Championship

Alioski to quit Lugano – manager

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New Lugano manager Pier Tami has conceded that Leeds United target Ezgjan Alioski is to leave the Swiss club.

Alioski made the revelation in an interview with RSI Sport following intense speculation that the prolific goalscorer and creator is set to join either Leeds or one of his many other suitors across Europe.

Leeds are pushing hard to sign Alioski amid reports a deal has been done but he has also been strongly linked to Swiss champions FC Basel.

Tami, who has taken over at Lugano following a two-year spell at Grasshoppers, conceded there will be some major changes to the side that finished third in the Swiss top flight last season to qualify for their first-ever Europa League campaign.

“The attack is the crucial point at this time, given the departures of Sadiku and especially Alioski, but I have confidence in the president (to replace them),” Tami said, as quoted by RSI Sport.

It appears there is a strong chance that Leeds could make Alioski their third new senior arrival of the summer after midfielder Mateusz Klich and goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald.

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.

Leeds are reportedly working on a number of deals, including the signing of Huesca forward Samuel Saiz, who could be joined in the team by Alioski.

He had an outstanding 2016-17 domestic season at Lugano, scoring 17 goals from 36 matches supplemented by 14 assists.

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