Leeds United and Hull remain in contention with CSKA Moscow for Vedat Muriqi, as Lazio look to replace the striker with Mainz’s Jonathan Burkardt in the January transfer window.
That’s according to Corriere dello Sport, who report Maurizio Sarri’s Biancocelesti are keen to sell Muriqi this month. The Stadio Olimpico outfit want to find the Kosovo international a new side after an underwhelming season in Serie A.
Efforts to strike deals for Muriqi with Leeds, Hull and CSKA have so far proven challenging for Lazio. The Rome natives consider selling to CSKA difficult, but work remains ongoing to find a resolution before the market closes.
Lazio acknowledge Muriqi must leave in January to free funds for Sarri to strengthen as he desires. But teams are unwilling to match President Claudio Lotito’s request for loan deals carrying an obligation to buy the forward.
Instead, sides have so far only offered loan deals that include an option to make the move permanent this summer. Yet Sporting Director Igli Tare remains busy in the background to secure the 27-year-old’s replacement.
Lazio Director prioritising Mainz’s Burkhardt as heir to Leeds target Muriqi
Tare is a big fan of Mainz forward Burkhardt joining Lazio, if Leeds or a rival suitor agrees a transfer for Muriqi this month. The Biancocelesti chief has made the 21-year-old his priority as the German is the ‘perfect’ addition as he can develop behind Ciro Immobile in Rome.
Burkhardt has enjoyed a strong campaign in the Bundesliga so far this term where he is Bo Svensson’s leading forward. So, the U21 international may show some reluctance to leave the MEWA Arena and replace Lazio’s €20m (£17m) man Muriqi.
Leeds are also asking Lazio to take a big hit on Muriqi to sanction the forward’s transfer to Elland Road. La Lazio Siamo Noi report the Whites have requested a loan deal carrying the option to buy for €8m (£7m). So, may need to suggest an obligation to seal any move.
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