Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa blocked a deal for a Liverpool youngster according to the latest Leeds United transfer news.
Per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Bielsa gave the thumbs down on a potential deal for Harry Wilson, who Leeds viewed as an alternative to Rodrigo De Paul.
De Paul speculation continues to bubble along, but Ornstein himself recently deemed a deal ‘impossible’. If forced to look elsewhere for a new attacking signing, Leeds will not be turning to Wilson.
Fulham, Newcastle and Southampton are all interested in Wilson. The youngster looks to be on his way out of Anfield as he searches for first team football.
Ornstein claimed Leeds decided against a move for Wilson earlier in the same.
"Liverpool will hope to move on a number players round the fringes in the coming weeks. One of them is Harry Wilson.
"We know that Leeds United had started working on a deal for him much earlier in the summer. That didn't develop I think because Marcelo Bielsa decided that Wilson wasn't the right player for him.”
Ornstein acknowledged Leeds’ interest in De Paul but remains sceptical a deal will happen.
"They actually moved their target onto the Udinese and Argentina attacking midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. It seems that De Paul did want to come to Leeds and that would have been a really exciting signing for them.
"But I don't think Leeds can get close to the asking price, reportedly €40million that the Serie A club want. The last I heard, Leeds saw that asking price and a deal therefore impossible.”
The Athletic’s transfer expert pondered whether Leeds could go back in for Wilson, though admitted it’s unlikely.
"Presumably, they could move their target on elsewhere and that poses the question could Wilson be back on the radar. But if Bielsa doesn't want him then that will certainly be one to watch."
Hay Confirms Gvardiol Pursuit
Leeds are still pushing to sign Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay. Leeds have been on the lookout for more defensive depth and are seemingly willing to splash the cash for Gvardiol.
He won’t come cheaply, but Hay seems confident they can push a deal through.
Writing in The Athletic, Hay said, "Leeds remain seriously interested in Dinamo Zagreb’s Josko Gvardiol and have the budget to fund a move for the £20 million-rated defender.
"At 18 years old, a prospect touted as one of the best in Europe could be an astute, long-term investment."
It seems inevitable Leeds will add another defender before the window shuts. Hay continued, "When it comes to signing another centre-back, Leeds are yet to play their hand."
Like De Paul, the Gvardiol saga is likely to drag on for a while yet.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*
