Leeds United remain keen on signing Aapo Halme.
Halme plays for newly crowned Finnish champions HJK Helsinki, who clinched their title at the weekend.
The 19-year-old played 13 times in the Veikkausliiga this past season, and is a Finland under-21 international.
European clubs Ajax and Hoffenheim are among the teams also interested in Halme.
Halme is a centre-back who is stands tall beyond his years at 6ft 8″ and has been compared to countryman Sami Hyypia.
The Helsingin Sanomat report that HJK were determined not to let Halme leave in the summer as they were suffering from other injuries in defence.
HJK have been more than happy to raise funds by selling players to Ajax and Rangers in recent months, and the report states they feel the sales have been ‘successful’ for them.
Leeds have recently seen 20-year-old Conor Shaughnessy rise through their youth system to the first team, lowering their need for another centre-back, but with Matthew Pennington only on loan, bringing in the promising defender could be a shrewd long-term investment.
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