Leeds United’s interest in Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch is ‘definitely’ something to be taken seriously, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Whites are one of several sides believed to be tracking the 26-year-old, who is set to become a free agent when his contract expires at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena at the end of June.

What is the latest news involving Grillitsch?

According to The Telegraph, Leeds have ‘been monitoring’ Grillitsch’s situation ahead of a potential move, although he is not thought to be short of potential suitors.

Premier League giants Arsenal are said to have added the Austria international to their list of targets this summer, while Everton are also thought to be in the running for his signature.

Meanwhile, the biggest competition for Grillitsch could come from the Bundesliga where clubs who have qualified for next season’s Champions League are also said to be eager to secure his services.

Spanish clubs are also said to be keeping close tabs on the in-demand 6 foot 2 ace as everyone looks to snap up a bargain buy.

What has Jones said about Grillitsch?

Leeds have already moved to strengthen their first-team squad by bringing in Brenden Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg following their dramatic survival on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

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And Jones believes the west Yorkshire outfit can now start to assess ‘what kind of figures’ can come into Jesse Marsch’s set-up to help avoid another relegation battle.

He told GiveMeSport: “It was difficult for them, obviously, on the back of winning their relegation battle, the relief of that can now kind of sink in, and they can start to look at what kind of figures can actually help them. I think that Grillitsch is definitely a target we should take seriously.”

Would Grillitsch be a good signing?

Grillitsch, who currently earns £35,000-per-week, is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, a number eight, or even at centre-back and was previously labelled "extraordinary" by Julian Nagelsmann.

The 26-year-old is most comfortable at the base of the midfield, though, and has established himself as one of the top performers in that area of the pitch since arriving at Hoffenheim from Werder Bremen in July 2017.

As per FBref, Grillitsch has ranked in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions, the 96th for progressive passes and progressive passes received, the 90th for tackles, 89th for progressive carries, and 83^rd for pressures amongst his positional peers of the last year.