Ambitious signings take time to complete and Leeds United's pursuit of attacking midfielder Julian Brandt is evidence of that, as they continue to work on that deal.

It was first reported that the Whites had started working on a move for the Germany international in the middle of June, and that remains the case more than a month later.

The latest update is that the club have made a contract offer to the former Borussia Dortmund playmaker, and that they are currently leading Ajax in the race for his signature.

It is now down to Leeds to get over the final hurdle to get the 30-year-old star to sign on the dotted lines and become the latest additon to Daniel Farke's squad.

Where Julian Brandt will fit in at Leeds

The German star may seem like an odd signing on paper after the Whites abandoned a traditional number ten to play with a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 system in the Premier League last season.

Brandt, though, has shown flexibility in his positioning throughout his club career with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, playing 77 times or more on the right wing, the left wing, and as a number ten.

Whilst being an attacking midfielder is his preferred role, the experienced star is also capable of playing off either flank as a wide ten in a 3-4-2-1, if that is the formation that Farke opts for.

The Whites did play with a 4-2-3-1 in their friendly clash with Wrexham on Saturday, though, and Brandt would be the perfect fit to play as the number ten behind the striker in that system, providing consistent creativity for the team.

In 383 appearances in the Bundesliga for Dortmund and Leverkusen, the free agent star racked up 92 assists. He has also assisted 12 goals in 82 outings in the Champions League throughout his career, making him an ideal fit for a central attacking midfield role.

Leeds eyeing perfect signing for Julian Brandt

Every playmaker, though, needs a clinical striker to make the most of the chances that they create, and the club are also looking at a star who could be the perfect partner for Brandt.

MOTLeedsNews reports that Leeds United have definite interest in Burnley centre-forward Zian Flemming for this summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites have looked at a deal for the Dutch striker, who was relegated with the Clarets last term, but they have yet to enter talks or make an offer for him as of yet.

It adds that they are currently focused on securing a move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, and that they will turn their attention towards bolstering their attack after they land the England international.

The former Millwall marksman, who was touted at a fee of £17m earlier this summer, would be an excellent addition to the squad to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a starting berth up front.

Flemming would be the perfect signing to make alongside Brandt because he has the potential to be even more clinical in front of goal than Calvert-Lewin for the Whites, based on his form for Burnley last term.

Despite playing for a team that ended up getting relegated from the Premier League, the Dutchman enjoyed a superior minutes per goal ratio than the Leeds star and was significantly more clinical with the chances that came his way.

Flemming's return of 11 goals from 7.87 xG in a struggling Burnley team was an impressive haul, even more impressive than Calvert-Lewin's 14 goals for Leeds, and suggests that he could be an even better option up top for Farke.

He proved himself to be Premier League quality, whilst his team did not, and looks to be the kind of finisher who would thrive off the creativity that Brandt can provide.

The former Borussia Dortmund star created 55 'big chances' in the 2023/24, 2024/25, and 2025/26 campaigns combined, hitting double figures for 'big chances' created in each season, whilst no Leeds player hit double figures in the league last season.

Brandt is a prolific creator who would provide Flemming with plenty of high-quality chances to find the back of the net, and the 27-year-old star's performances for Burnley suggest that he is the perfect man to make the most of those opportunities.

That is why the 49ers should push to reach an agreement with the Championship outfit for his signature once they turn their attention to a forward signing later in the window.