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Leeds United have joined the race for Dutch midfielder Abdou Harroui, but are not his only Premier League admirer, according to a report.

After finishing in the top half in their first season back in the Premier League since 2003-04, Leeds are looking to consolidate next term. They will be on the lookout for the right reinforcements in the summer transfer market. One of their priority areas is in midfield.

Leeds spent most of last summer trying to sign Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese, but that pursuit did not bear fruit in the end. There have been suggestions of them reviving their interest, but the club have played them down.

Thus, the West Yorkshire outfit are looking at alternative targets, and it seems Harroui is on their radar.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are in the hunt for the Sparta Rotterdam star, who has been in action for the Netherlands at the European Under-21 Championship.

During that tournament, Rangers have been watching him, but they now face competition.

Leeds have now joined the chasing pack, along with fellow Premier League side Brighton.

Seagulls midfielder Yves Bissouma is attracting interest from bigger clubs this summer. If he leaves, Brighton may need to source an additional option in midfield.

With only one year left on his contract, Harroui will leave Sparta this summer if the right offer comes in. The report from Football Insider does not specify what that cost could be, but there are promising signs of a potential deal.

Harroui is a central midfielder who can operate in a deeper role, but still has an eye for goal. He scored six times from 33 Eredivisie starts in 2020-21.

In total, he has now made more than a century of appearances for the club whose academy he graduated. However, he may have made the last of those as they consider cashing in on him over the coming months.

Leeds star nears new deal

One player who has featured in a midfield role for Leeds recently is Tyler Roberts, who occupies one of the more attacking positions in that territory.

The Wales international has confirmed he is open to signing a new contract.

“I think my agent has had a talk with them about what’s going to happen,” he told The Beautiful Game Podcast. “I think it’s one of those where the season is so close to ending; you stay focussed on the last few games and you sort that then.

“I think it’s all positive and, as I’ve said, I do love it at Leeds. The city, the fans, the experiences I’m getting are great so I’m happy.”

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However, Roberts did make an admission over his position, which may only further Leeds’ need for midfielders.

“Over my career, I would like to say I’m a number nine, a striker,” he continued. “I grew up playing in that position, it’s only in the last few years I’ve really learnt the number 10 position. I think it’s been good for me, the right thing for me.

“The number nine is a big pressure, you have to be scoring goals. I’ve been young, I’m still learning the game so to be the one that doesn’t have to hold the ball up all the time.

“I’ve been able to learn, to be a number nine and a number 10. It’s been good but I definitely see myself as a number nine, for sure.”

READ MORE: Leeds offered shock striker reunion despite previous struggles under Bielsa

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