Leeds United are on the verge of securing their first defender signing of the summer, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The regional newspaper claim that the Championship big hitters are working on recruiting new centre-backs and are “edging close to one deal”.
The Yorkshire Evening Post made the revelation after it was announced on Tuesday morning that Giuseppe Bellusci has agreed to leave Leeds with 12 months remaining on his contract.
The centre-back accepted a deal to sever his agreement with United and has become a free agent following a controversial three-year spell at the club.
???? Defender Giuseppe Bellusci has departed the club https://t.co/cFtbR7hmOy pic.twitter.com/MZz9HAcIu3
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 18, 2017
Greek club PAOK lead the running to sign Bellusci ahead of Italian trio Bologna, Cagliari and Benevento.
Leeds are looking to immediately replace the Italian after manager Thomas Christiansen revealed there will be no let-up in the club’s extensive recruitment drive as he continues his revamp of the squad that finished seventh under Garry Monk last season.
The former Spain international told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We do need to strengthen in the defence. That is a priority now.”
It is reported that they are now on the verge of signing a new centre-back following links with a number of players based in England, including at rival Championship clubs.
Leeds have made nine new signings this summer, although Pontus Jansson and Hadi Sacko were already at the club after successful loans last season.
Most of the Leeds arrivals so far are midfielders or attacking players, with Samuel Saiz, Vurnon Anita, Ezgjan Alioski, Mateusz Klich, Caleb Ekuban and Madger Gomes or slotting into one of those two categories.
The only new player who is predominantly defensive is goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald, although Anita can also slot in at centre-back.
Leeds have been linked with signing a number of centre-backs in recent weeks and it has been reported that progress is being made on two new signings as part of a £4.5million double Championship raid that would provide Christiansen with proven defensive strength ahead of the new campaign.