Report: Leeds rivalling Tottenham and Frank Lampard for Ivan Lepinjica

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Croatian outlet Tportal has claimed that Leeds United are interested in signing HNK Rijeka midfielder Ivan Lepinjica, but face competition from promotion rivals West Brom as well as high-flying Premier League sides Tottenham and Chelsea.

Lepinjica, 20, stands at a lofty 6ft 2in and is naturally a defensive midfielder – the position that Kalvin Phillips continues to impress in under Marcelo Bielsa. He is becoming renowned as one of the best up-and-coming talents in Croatian football.

Leeds are not alone in their interest. Chelsea are said to have had an offer of £3.4million rejected by Rijeka, with the Croatian side holding out for a fee believed to be in the region of £4.2million. Tottenham and West Brom are also keen.

Italian quintet Juventus, Udinese, Atalanta, Sampdoria and Fiorentina are also said to have watched Lepinjica, who has earned five caps for Croatia’s Under-21 side. He has a contract at Rijeka until the summer of 2024.

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TBR’s view – Leeds need cover for Phillips and Lepinjica could be ideal

There are options to replace Phillips, but those players are better suited elsewhere. Ben White replaced Phillips with the latter suspended earlier this season, but White is obviously impressing at the heart of the defence.

Adam Forshaw is injured, while Mateusz Klich is better used in the eight role. Alfie McCalmont is still learning his trade. The Whites need cover for Phillips when the midfielder is unavailable, and Lepinjica could be the man to do the job.