Leeds United are now very serious about signing an "imposing" defender, and they are ready to make a formal offer soon, according to a report this week.

Leeds keen to bolster defensive options

Leeds have already made major changes to their 2024-25 promotion-winning squad, with Daniel Farke overhauling his defensive options, having already signed two new centre-backs, while also bringing in a replacement for Junior Firpo at left-back.

As a result, there may be an expectation that the Whites' next signing will be an attacker, and Farke is certainly keen on strengthening in forward areas, with Tottenham Hotspur's Manor Solomon and Feyenoord's Igor Paixao among the potential options out wide.

However, the manager will need to make sure his side are defensively solid if they are to stand a chance of avoiding relegation from the Premier League, and the German remains keen on adding another centre-back to his ranks.

As such, there has now been a new development in Leeds' pursuit of Fenerbahce defender Diego Carlos, with a report from Turkey revealing they are very serious about signing the former Aston Villa man (via Sport Witness).

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The Whites' level of interest is underlined by the fact that they are ready to submit a formal offer for Carlos soon, although there could be competition for his signature, with fellow promoted sides Sunderland and Burnley also named as potential suitors.

Previous reports have suggested that Turf Moor is the centre-back's preferred destination, but Farke's side are undeterred, and an official bid could be made soon, with Fenerbahce open to a sale due to his persistent injury issues.

"Imposing" Carlos would be risky signing for Leeds

It is no surprise that Fenerbahce are willing to offload the Brazilian, given that he is one of the Turkish clubs high-earners, raking in £111k-a-week, but has been unable to make a real impact, having suffered persistent injury issues since his time at Villa.

It is a real shame the 32-year-old has been unable to put his injury problems behind him, given that the ex-Villa man impressed at times during his time in Birmingham, receiving high praise from journalist Mat Kendrick.

If Carlos were to become available on loan, with Fenerbahce paying a big chunk of his wages, it could be worth Leeds taking a gamble. However, a permanent move wouldn't make sense, given that Farke cannot rely on the centre-back to be available for selection.