Lincoln City-linked striker Mikkel Ladefoged was left out of Västerås SK’s squad on Monday evening as speculation surrounding a move to Sincil Bank continues to gather pace.
The 23-year-old did not feature as Västerås recorded an impressive 1-0 victory against Djurgården in the Allsvenskan, despite having been one of their leading attacking threats this season. His absence is particularly significant given reports at the beginning of August suggesting City were in negotiations over a deal for the 6ft 8in Danish forward.
The latest report from Sweden goes further, stating that Ladefoged is leaving Västerås and that he was unavailable for selection against Djurgården. It also repeats claims that a potential deal with City could be worth around 50 million Swedish kronor (£3.9m).
Västerås sporting director Billy Magnusson was asked directly about Ladefoged’s absence before discussing the interest that his performances have generated.
“He was not eligible for selection this match. There are a couple of three weeks left in the window so it is what it is.
“What we do know is that Mikkel’s performance has attracted interest. If it wasn’t this window, it will probably be the next window. Then it’s good to be one step ahead and bring in players who will have to work their way in.
“Now he (replacement Lendambi) got the chance and I thought he handled it very well.”
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Those comments will inevitably add further weight to the suggestion that something is developing around the striker. Ladefoged has been attracting attention after an impressive spell in Sweden, and City have already been named prominently as the club attempting to bring him to England.
At 2.02 metres tall, Ladefoged would certainly offer something different to Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw’s attacking options. City have already added Mason Melia and Tanto Olaofe on loan this summer, but recruitment has continued as the club prepare for the demands of a Championship campaign.
Nothing in Magnusson’s comments confirms that Ladefoged is heading to Sincil Bank, and there remains a distinction between reported negotiations and a completed transfer. However, his complete absence from a competitive fixture, coupled with the sporting director openly acknowledging interest in him, represents another notable development in a story that has now been running for more than a week.
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