Leeds have pulled out of their pursuit of Arthur Cabral according to a report. This follows this morning’s Leeds United transfer news suggesting Leeds are moving closer to Ollie Watkins.
UOL initially broke news of Leeds’ interest in the FC Basel striker earlier this week, but it appears Basel’s valuation is considerably higher than the Elland Road outfit would be willing to pay.
Cabral is one of a growing group of strikers linked with Leeds, who are believed to be after two forwards in this window. Rodrigo is seemingly on his way from Valencia, but it appears Cabral will not be joining the Spanish international in Yorkshire.
Basel were initially believed to be open to negotiation on their £18 million valuation of Cabral, though their approach has since changed.
They are demanding the full fee and the report claims that is more than Leeds are willing to pay.
Importantly, the report also suggests Cabral would be unlikely to land a work permit to play in the Premier League, ending any hopes of a transfer going through.
The striker is keen on a move to the English top flight, but it will not be with Leeds if UOL’s report is accurate.
Hay’s ‘Gut Feeling’ Gives Leeds Fans Hope
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has repeatedly spoken of Leeds’ interest in Freiburg defender Robin Koch.
Having claimed Leeds are progressing towards a move, Hay has gone further, saying he has a ‘gut feeling’ that Koch will move to Elland Road before the window shuts.
Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, he said, “The seasons coming around in two weeks and there’s an evident gap in the defence which is going to have to be filled.
"It always gets to the point where you have to move on [from White] and I think last Friday was that point.”
Hay continues, suggesting the deal for Rodrigo distracted from Leeds’ efforts to acquire the Freiburg defender.
“Koch could have moved quicker this week had it not been for the fact they were in the thick of the Rodrigo deal but I sense a confidence about Koch at Elland Road.
"Without wanting to tempt fate, my gut feeling will be that will probably happen.”
Leeds desperately defensive reinforcements, and it looks increasingly they will sign Koch.
The German international isn’t too panicked by the situation, however. He told Kicker he doesn’t ‘worry too much’ about the transfer rumours with only 12 months left on his contract.
If the transfer goes through, Leeds will be getting a highly regarded central defender who can play in a deep-lying midfield role when required. Koch has potential to improve and already has plenty of Bundesliga experience.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
