Leeds United transfer target left out of squad amid transfer disarray

Leeds United transfer target Dejan Ljubicic has been left of the Koln squad for their DFB Pokal clash against SV Sandhausen after sustaining a knee injury which places his transfer out of Germany in question.

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder has been a target for the Whites and a number of clubs this summer, with a bid for the player having already been turned down. As the chase continues, it appears as if Ljubicic will remain in Germany, given he has now sustained a knee injury that is likely to keep him out of action for some weeks.

The Austrian started both of Koln's opening two Bundesliga 2 encounters, registering an assist in their opening-day defeat against Hamburg. He also then played the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw with SV Elversberg.

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Daniel Farke is keen to add a midfielder given the cover Archie Gray could provide last season, with Joe Rothwell also having arrived from Bournemouth on a season-long loan for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign.

Ljubicic has also already been quizzed on his future in an interview with Liga-Zwei this summer, shortly before news of United's bid became public. “I am here and I am concentrating on the essentials, namely that I am performing well again," said Ljubicic.

"I just want to give it my all in training and offer myself to the new coach. That is the only thing that counts at the moment. Football is a fast-moving business. I am in contact with those responsible and my contract with FC runs until 2025 – I am here and I am happy.”