Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis, who was featured in Leeds United transfer news last month, has been linked with a move to Fulham.
The Daily Mail reports Fulham are interested in signing Luis from the Portuguese giants and have offered somewhere around a £2 million loan fee with the option to purchase the midfielder for £25 million.
Fulham have already bolstered their midfield options in this window, but Scott Parker could still be on the lookout for improvements.
Luis would certainly bring that, and there’s a belief Benfica could be willing to sell after the youngster fell out of favour towards the end of last season.
Leeds were very keen on Luis in July, but after discussing terms with Luis’ representatives, they are thought to have turned their attention elsewhere.
Rodrigo De Paul is their primary midfield target, though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see more news about Luis in the coming days.
Hay Deems De Paul ‘different level’
Leeds have put forward a bid of £25 million for the Udinese midfielder according to Presna Futbol.
Udinese value De Paul at £31.2 million, however, and will likely hold out for a better offer. Presna Futbol adds Leeds could face competition for De Paul’s signature, notably from reigning Serie A champions Juventus.
It’s claimed De Paul is the highest-paid player at his current club on £25,000 per week. This would be a big-time signing for Leeds financially and on the pitch. De Paul is regarded as one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay is clearly a big fan of the Argentina international.
Replying to a tweet on his personal account, Hay said, “they haven’t been back for Kent which tells us they’ve got other options. Don’t think that Benrahma video went down well. De Paul is different level”.
De Paul can do everything in midfield. He works hard defensively, he creates chances, he scores goal, he keeps things ticking over. This would be a huge signing for Leeds, and another major statement of intent after landing Rodrigo and Robin Koch.
Leeds After Zagreb Defender
According to The Daily Mail, Leeds are considering a move for Dinamo Zagreb’s 19-year-old defender Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol attracted the interest of European champions Bayern Munich back in May. Already playing for Dinamo’s first team, he’s a highly rated young talent.
The teenager is predominantly a centre-back, though he can fill in on the left of the defence on occasion.
Leeds completed signing of Koch at the weekend, their Ben White replacement. The central defensive depth is still an area of concern, however, and Gvardiol would be an ideal signing as a backup.
He’s not the most exciting name they’ve been linked with, but when it comes to potential, Gvardiol could be a special acquisition.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
