Leeds United have reportedly identified a Serie A defender as a potential summer transfer target.
Daniel Farke's side are currently well on track to earn a return to the Premier League having lost just three of their 32 Championship fixtures during 2024-25.
The Yorkshire giants currently hold a four-point advantage in the race for automatic promotion, helped by a 4-0 victory at Watford last time out.
Although club officials will not want to get presumptuous when it comes to earning a place in the top flight, they also need to start considering the necessary work for new arrivals.
According to I News, Genoa defender Koni De Winter is on the radar for the summer transfer window.
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A player viewed as 'the next Vincent Kompany' is seemingly being scouted by Leeds as well as the likes of West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 22-year-old has made a total of 13 appearances in Serie A this season, contributing three goals having been deployed as a right-back or centre-back.
De Winter has come through the Belgium international setup to represent his nation at all age levels before making his senior debut against Republic of Ireland in March last year.
Having initially spent time in the Juventus youth setup, 56 outings have been made for Empoli and Genoa in Italy's top flight.
Any club wishing to sign De Winter later in 2025 faces a challenge to tempt Genoa into a sale with his contract lasting until 2028.
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Do Leeds have a realistic chance in De Winter race?
Providing that De Winter continues on his current trajectory, the assumption is he will have his pick of options around Europe.
While Leeds could offer him regular football at right-back or in the centre, other teams may be viewed as the more attractive option.
With Genoa sitting in 12th position in the Serie A table, they are highly likely to remain in the top tier without ever coming close to qualifying for Europe.
There is already a 14-point gap to eighth position, yet De Winter may be of the opinion that he needs to be playing continental football now that he has made his debut for Belgium.
Darren Plant
