Norwegian outfit Valerenga are braced for Leeds United to make a concrete offer for goalkeeper and long-time target Kristoffer Klaesson this summer, according to Nettavisen.
Klaesson is the undisputed first-choice between the sticks at the Intility Arena under Dag-Eilev Fagermo. He has opened all 13 Eliteserien fixtures so far this term, and Enga will hope to see him perform well in their Europa Conference League qualifier with Gent this month.
But Fagermo may find himself without his number one goalie at the Ghelamco Arena when Valerenga travel to Belgium. Valerenga are waiting for Leeds to step forward with a bid for Klaesson, as Victor Orta searches for Kiko Casilla’s replacement after joining Elche on loan.
Leeds have been interested in Klaesson for ages and approached Valerenga to discuss his availability in 2020. Enga now expect the Whites will put a concrete offer on the table this summer after reviving their interest.
Orta is keen for Leeds to add a young goalkeeper to the ranks at Elland Road and is currently in talks with one who’s playing abroad, per the Yorkshire Evening Post. The Whites also identified their target around the time of Illan Meslier’s arrival from Lorient.
So, that player could well be Klaesson, adding a shot-stopper with three years of first-team football to the Leeds squad. The Norway Under 21 international became Enga’s number one in mid-2019, and started 29 of 30 Eliteserien fixtures last year.
The Yorkshire Evening Post have also cited Leeds’ interest in Klaesson as one of Orta’s three goalkeeper targets this summer. The Valerenga gem is yet to feature in a UEFA club competition, but has two clean sheets in five U21 international games in the last two years.
Leeds signing potential with Valerenga swoop for Klaesson
Leeds have their undisputed number one goalkeeper in Meslier after his 2019 arrival from Lorient. Orta could now be about to sign another player with promising potential by raiding Norway for a rising star.
Leeds have clearly done their homework on Klaesson, having monitored his progress and performances at Valerenga for years. Orta will know what areas the 20-year-old must work on improving and what areas he is already strong at.
Leeds would not be signing Klaesson to go straight into the net at Elland Road, anyway. But could enjoy swift negotiations with Valerenga, with the Intility Arena natives ready for a bid.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
