Report: Leeds and Aston Villa both in race to sign £1.5m-rated midfielder

Add as preferred source on Google

TalkSPORT have claimed in an exclusive that Leeds United and Aston Villa are rivalling a whole host of Premier League sides for Maritimo midfielder Josip Vukovic this summer.

Croatian midfielder Vukovic, 27, only managed 28 appearances for Portuguese outfit Maritimo last season but starred in green and red. It has caught the eye of a whole host of Premier League sides and Leeds.

Even Steven Gerrard’s Rangers were linked with a move for the tough-tackling holding midfielder earlier in the summer, but their reported interest is not noted in the latest update from TalkSPORT.

The report does state that Leeds, Villa and Southampton are showing the most interest in landing Vukovic’s signature, while Premier League clubs Leicester, Watford and Wolves have scouted Vukovic.

It is believed a bargain fee of just £1.5million is required for the signature of Vukovic, who has a contract with Liga NOS side Maritimo until the summer of 2021.

TBR’s view – £1.5m a bargain, but Vukovic must choose Leeds

Vukovic has certainly shown at the base of Maritimo’s midfield that he boasts the quality to play in England’s top tier. But it must be mentioned the chances of him doing so at Villa or Southampton as first choice is unlikely.

The Croatia youth international will have to feed of scraps if he joins either Villa or the Saints. Villa have signed Douglas Luiz and are close to the signing of Marvelous Nakamba. Southampton boast Oriol Romeu.

Kalvin Phillips is first choice in holding midfield, but with a lack of centre-back cover and no immediate replacement for Phillips in the number four role, Vukovic would play more at Leeds. He should pick Elland Road.