Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a bid for Benfica defender Branimir Kalaica ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are tracking the Croatian centre-back and are ready to test the Liga NOS side’s resolve with a ‘firm bid’. The report also mentions possible interest from both Celtic and Watford, suggesting that the current Championship leaders could face competition for the 22-year-old in the summer transfer window.
It is perhaps unsurprising that the promotion hopefuls are being linked with a centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window, as it seems unlikely that they will be able to tempt loanee Ben White back next season, considering his impressive performances this season have reportedly led to interest from sides such as Liverpool.
TIF Thoughts…
Considering Kalaica has predominantly featured for Benfica B since joining the Portuguese side in 2016 from Dinamo Zagreb, you might imagine that they would be willing to part ways with the young centre-back this summer, should they receive a suitable offer. The Croatian is currently valued at £608k by Transfermarkt, suggesting that it could be a relatively cheap option for the Whites in the summer transfer window.
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However, considering the youngster has played very little senior football in his career thus far, it could be a risky move, especially if the Yorkshire side achieves promotion to the Premier League. It will be interesting to see if Leeds do make a move for Kalaica this summer and whether or not he would become a first-team regular under Bielsa.