Leeds United fans have been handed some bad news from The Athletic’s David Ornstein. Tuesday’s biggest Leeds United transfer news sees Ornstein claim a deal for high-profile target Rodrigo De Paul is ‘impossible’.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claimed Udinese are holding out for £36.8 million for De Paul, a figure Leeds are seemingly unwilling to pay.
Ornstein, writing on The Athletic, reported Leeds have ‘genuine’ interest in De Paul. It appears there’s little sign of progress towards a deal, however.
He said, “Leeds have been heavily linked with Udinese attacking midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and their interest is genuine.
"But my information is that as things stand this proposed deal is viewed by the Premier League club as being impossible to complete because of the asking price placed on the 26-year-old Argentina international by his Serie A club.”
Not good news for Leeds fans, of course, but it’s a sign of the club’s approach in the transfer market. While they were willing to spend big on Rodrigo and are clearly in the mix for big-name signings, the spending will not be reckless from Andrea Radrizzani.
Despite Ornstein’s verdict, it’s unlikely this saga will end any time soon. De Paul, in a now-deleted tweet, appeared to confirm his interest in a move to Elland Road.
An Instagram post followed on Tuesday from De Paul, showing him at training with his Udinese teammates. Romano reported on Monday that the two clubs are still negotiating, and De Paul being keen on the move certainly helps Leeds.
It would be a major investment from Leeds to pay anything near Udinese’s asking price.
There’s no question De Paul would be an upgrade to their squad, though, and potentially a difference maker as they look to make a mark upon their return to the Premier League.
West Brom Beat Bielsa To Chelsea Starlet
Leeds have missed out on a Chelsea youngster according to Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg. The Whites had previously been linked with Conor Gallagher, but it appears the midfielder will be heading to West Brom on a season-long loan.
Steinberg, tweeting from his personal account, said “Hearing that Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher increasingly likely to join West Brom on loan. Could go through in next day or two. Villa and Leeds also been interested in him”.
Gallagher split his 2019/20 campaign between loans with Charlton and Swansea, clearly catching the eye of Premier League clubs.
While a loan always seemed the most likely outcome, Leeds had been linked with a permanent move for the 20-year-old, but such rumours always seemed far-fetched.
As is often Chelsea’s policy, they are thought to be looking to extend Gallagher’s contract before sending him to the Midlands. Leeds will have to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield options.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*
