Leeds United are closing in on a free transfer move for Julian Brandt, with their main rival for the German international's signature appearing to lose ground in the race.

The Whites have already strengthened their squad this summer with the arrivals of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and Harry Wilson from Fulham, but manager Daniel Farke is now targeting Brandt as his next addition.

Brandt's profile and appeal

Brandt, 30, left Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season after seven years at the club, where he made 307 appearances, scored 57 goals, and contributed 70 assists across all competitions. He had previously come through the ranks at Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Dortmund.

The 48-cap Germany international is reportedly open to joining a Premier League club at this stage of his career — and Leeds hold a notable advantage in that respect. His experience across Europe is extensive, with close to 100 appearances combined in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

Ajax's spending power reduced

Ajax had also emerged as serious contenders for Brandt's services, but their position has been weakened following developments in another transfer. The Amsterdam club are reportedly on the verge of signing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, with the fee set at around €20 million according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

While Ajax may still have sufficient funds to bring Brandt in this summer, the obligatory purchase of Arokodare in 12 months' time significantly limits their financial leverage during contract negotiations. A host of other European clubs have also been linked with Brandt, though few can match the commercial and competitive pull of the Premier League.

A familiar environment at Elland Road

Leeds demonstrated last summer that the Premier League can be a persuasive selling point, convincing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to spurn interest from clubs offering European football. Brandt could find himself making a similar calculation.

Should the move go through, Brandt would be reunited with familiar company at Elland Road — joining fellow German internationals Lukas Nmecha and Anton Stach, as well as manager Farke and his predominantly German coaching staff.