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Leeds fend off Borussia Dortmund and Brentford and close in on £8.5m right back Rasmus Kristensen

  /  autty

Leeds United are finalising terms with Red Bull Salzburg over an £8.5million deal for right back Rasmus Kristensen.

The 24-year-old Denmark international wants to join Leeds ahead of interest from Brentford and Borussia Dortmund and has agreed to link up with his former coach Jesse Marsch pending the clubs agreeing the fee.

Leeds made their opening bid early this week and talks have advanced quickly, with Kristensen's relationship with former coach Marsch proving to be a deciding factor.

Kristensen is a hard working, high energy full back who can also play in midfield and has an eye for goal.

He was expected to join Dortmund before Brentford and then Leeds expressed interest, and has decided to join up with the latter as they aim to improve on a disappointing second season back in the Premier League.

Leeds finished 17th in the 2021/22 campaign, surviving relegation by just three points.

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa was sacked in February with the side in danger of relegation, but Marsch kept them up and will now want to kick on in his first full season at the club.

Leeds often found their squad depth tested last year, suffering several injuries, and Kristensen, who can also play in midfield, will help the situation by providing another body.

Leeds turned to Kristensen because they wanted competition for Luke Ayling, while Stuart Dallas has been ruled him out for the year with injury.

They did enquire about Aberdeen's Calvin Ramsay, but he has interest from Liverpool among others.

Kristensen has four caps for his country, with his debut coming in September 2021.