Leeds United sent promising Nico Elvedi transfer message as current boss outlines 'big blow'

Borussia Monchengladbach have suffered a ‘big blow’ with the imminent exit of ‘rock’ Nico Elvedi to Leeds United, admits their head coach.

Elvedi looks set to become a Leeds player following the agreement of a deal worth up to £8.5million with Monchengladbach. The Whites are expected to pay an initial fee around £6.8m while add-ons could see that number rise slightly.

Reports from Germany suggest the centre-back will sign a three-year contract at Elland Road, replacing Sebastiaan Bornauw who is on course to join Hamburg on loan. They will have an option to make his temporary move permanent.

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"He's a real rock for us, so this is a big blow,” Monchengladbach boss Eugen Polanski told BILD. “On the other hand, it's a question of finances, and there's Nico's wish to leave, as he's given so much to this club over eleven years. That's why we can't and don't want to stand in his way."

Elvedi has spent the last 11 years at Monchengladbach, playing 364 games across all competitions and often captaining the side. The 29-year-old was named vice-skipper earlier this month but is now expected to secure a move to the Premier League.

Elvedi was not in Monchengladbach’s matchday squad for their pre-season friendly against Aston Villa on Sunday amid reports of his imminent move to Leeds. The experienced defender is believed to have started medical testing on Monday.

Leeds have a few more days to register Elvedi if they want him to be in the squad for their Premier League season opener. Farke’s side travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off at the City Ground at 3pm.