Leeds United are set to offer a new contract to defender Tarik Muharemovic in an effort to keep him at the club amid interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The player has been a standout performer since his transfer from Sassuolo, starting every match and contributing to several clean sheets for a side that has conceded only eight goals this season.
Daniel Farke's team currently sit ninth in the Premier League table with 14 points from ten games, a record of three wins, five draws and two losses. Their next match is a trip to Chelsea on Saturday 21 November, a fixture that will see them face a side they lost 6-3 to earlier this season. The club's strong defensive record, which includes ten goals scored for a positive goal difference, owes much to Muharemovic's immediate adaptation.
Securing a key asset
Muharemovic's current deal runs for several more years, but the club is considering an unusual early move to improve his terms and ward off potential suitors. His market value is now estimated to be high following his excellent form.
While the focus is on retaining key players, the future of several loaned players remains uncertain. Largie Ramazani and Sebastiaan Bornauw are viewed as likely permanent sales, while Lucas Perri's situation is less clear.
Squad updates ahead of Chelsea
In other news, Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong has withdrawn from England Under-21 duty with an injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming clash at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Leeds winger Dan James has spoken about the challenge of limited game time. "I can't lie. You do get frustrated not playing," James admitted, while stressing the need to stay ready.
Leeds' immediate focus is on preparing for the Chelsea game, a key test in their schedule. Securing Muharemovic's long-term future would be a significant boost as they look to build on a solid start that included a 1-0 win over Tottenham last time out, with Noah Okafor scoring the only goal. The club is determined to protect its key assets as interest from top European clubs grows, especially with the team thirteen points behind the leaders and having taken just one win from their last five matches, a run that includes draws with Sunderland and Manchester United and a loss to Bournemouth.
More detail at LiveScore
