Leeds United are working on a deal to convert Oliver Sarkic’s loan from Benfica into a permanent transfer, according to a reliable journalist.
Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay reported on his personal Twitter account that United want to tie down the Montenegro Under-21 international.
Goal for forward Oliver Sarkic today. He’s been on a half-season loan from Benfica. Leeds now working to do a permanent deal:https://t.co/Ocbq3oZBxD
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) January 11, 2018
The Whites announced on their official website in early September that the 20-year-old attacker had agreed terms to join the Yorkshire giants on a short-term deal which expired at the end of December.
The Montenegrin centre-forward has spent the season with Carlos Corberan’s Under-23 side and scored a penalty in their 4-3 win against Hull City at Thorp Arch on Thursday afternoon.
So excited to start this journey with such a massive club. Can't wait to wear the shirt ?? #marchingontogether pic.twitter.com/AC7hOQt9TJ
— Oliver Šarki? (@sarkic10) September 8, 2017
Good move for Leeds?
United have had a chance to have a good look at the powerful striker in the opening half of the season and appear to like what they see. If they see him as the real deal, then it is entirely logical to convert the loan into a permanent transfer. Sarkic might not be ready for the first team quite yet, but he could be in a season or two if he continues to develop. That would make it a smart piece of business.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Very possibly. It is notable that Sarkic is still at Leeds, even though his loan officially ended 12 days ago. That suggests that talks to keep him at Elland Road are progressing well. It is likely that a deal will be done in the coming weeks.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10