Reports indicate Udinese defender Jaka Bijol has agreed personal terms with Leeds United, but Newcastle United have also emerged as contenders for the Slovenian international`s signature.
Newcastle Enter Race for Bijol
Reports suggest the Slovenian centre-back has already verbally agreed to join Leeds and has informed his Udinese teammates of his intention to leave this summer.
However, Udinese rejected an initial offer of €15m from the newly promoted Premier League club, as they value their defender at no less than €20m.
Newcastle`s entry into the race further complicates Leeds` pursuit of the player.
Sources indicate that Bijol has personally agreed to a move to England and had already settled on personal terms for a contract with Leeds until June 2029. However, Newcastle`s interest could potentially alter this situation.
Bijol joined Udinese from CSKA Moscow in 2022 for €4m. Since then, he has made 95 appearances for the Friulani (The Bianconeri), scoring five goals.
Bijol might not be the only key player departing Udinese this summer, as Napoli are reportedly nearing a €30m deal for striker Lorenzo Lucca.
