Leeds United have already begun looking into prospective new additions in case they are promoted to the Premier League this season.
The Whites are still in contention for automatic promotion from the Championship, but their recent play has deteriorated, implying that they no longer have a chance.
Daniel Farke’s side is third in the rankings, a point behind second-place Leicester City, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town are a further point and place ahead.
With the Premier League still a possibility, there have already been reports of prospective new arrivals, including the return of former midfield hero Kalvin Phillips.
Luca Netz of Borussia Monchengladbach has also been identified as a target, although Leeds must do a lot of work before they can make these signings.
De Winter joins Genoa permanently, following claims of Leeds interest.
With Liam Cooper’s contract set to expire and Charlie Cresswell likely to seek regular playing time, Leeds will need to bolster at centre-back.
Joe Rodon is, of course, needed by Tottenham on a permanent basis, but he alone will not suffice, so a link has already been suggested.
It was reported last month that Leeds are one of several English clubs interested in signing Juventus defender Koni De Winter.
However, Fabrizio Romano’s most recent Twitter update shows that a transaction that was always doubtful is now even more so.
De Winter has spent the season on loan at Genoa, and according to Romano, his recent outing yesterday triggered the Serie A club’s option to purchase him on a permanent basis.
Juventus are set to get roughly £6.8 million for the 21-year-old, and if Leeds do make a play for him this summer, they will most likely have to pay substantially more.
Who is Leeds’ rumored target, Koni De Winter?
De Winter is still only 21 years old, but he has already played two seasons in Serie A, having spent the previous season at Empoli before joining Genoa.
He has been at Juventus since the age of 16, but has only appeared twice for their first squad, and there will be no more after his loan arrangement with Genoa becomes permanent.
De Winter earned his first cap for Belgium during the most recent international break, playing 64 minutes in a 0-0 tie against the Republic of Ireland.
Clearly, De Winter is a highly rated young centre-back, but it will take a lot of work for Leeds to pull this off if they get promoted.
