Key Leeds United star linked with surprise transfer exit as Serie A outfit mull over options

Pascal Struijk has emerged as a potential transfer target for Torino. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Serie A have identified the Leeds United defender as one of a number of possible replacements for Alessandro Buongiorno this summer.

With Buongiorno seemingly on his way out of Torino in a £34m deal to Napoli, Struijk reportedly features on their shortlist of targets as well as Trabzonspor’s Rayyan Baniya and Brighton and Hove Albion's Igor. Given the uncertainty surrounding Buongiorno's future and the fact that Perr Schuurs is still recovering from a serious injury suffered at the end of last season and the uncertainty, it is thought Torino are in the market for a minimum of one new centre-back.

Like the majority of United's first team squad, Struijk has been pictured taking part in the club's pre-season programme this week. The 24-year-old is on the comeback trail following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Read more: Leeds United 'lose out' to Premier League new boys in transfer race for ex-Fulham forward

A groin injury has kept Struijk sidelined since the Boxing Day defeat at Preston North End. The knock eventually required surgery.

As things stand, Struijk and Joe Rodon are expected to be United's first-choice centre-back pairing going into the 2024/25 season. Ethan Ampadu admirably filled in for Struijk after his Deepdale setback.

There is a growing clamour among the United fanbase for the club to boost their defensive numbers following a summer of change at Elland Road. Despite re-signing Rodon on a permanent basis, the Whites look short on options at both full back and in central defence. Archie Gray, Connor Roberts, Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper are among the players to have left the end of last term.