Leeds United have big plans on their return to the Premier League. Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is the latest high-profile named featured in Leeds United transfer news.
Reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are ‘seriously interested’ in De Paul. Udinese would be asking for around £30 million for the 26-year-old.
De Paul started 33 matches in central midfield this season. He would bring plenty of quality to Leeds’ middle third, though he is a more expensive option than other midfielders they have been linked with including their former player Ronaldo Vieira.
Leeds have already set down a marker in this window with the acquisitions of Robin Koch and Rodrigo. Adding De Paul would make it three major signings, all arriving with plenty of experience in top European leagues.
There’s ambition in Leeds’ transfer dealings so far, and De Paul would fit with that pattern. He’s an Argentine international and can do a bit of everything in midfield – he averaged 2.3 key passes and 1.8 tackles per match in Italy’s top flight last season.
Nixon Doubts Leeds Can Land Kent
Alan Nixon, who broke the news of Leeds’ interest in Ryan Kent, has claimed Rangers have warned off the Yorkshire club.
Wantaway striker Alfredo Morelos has impacted Rangers decision. The Glasgow-based club are not keen on selling both of their attacking stars.
Nixon, tweeting from his personal account, said, “Leeds. Ryan Kent deal now difficult. Rangers won’t let him go as well as Morelos. They are now aware of this.”
Kent’s desire to stay at Ibrox is an important part of this saga, too. The former Liverpool man said, “It’s a massive football club so I’ll continue to do right by Rangers.
"I can’t thank the fans enough, they’ve always been supportive of me even when I was on loan.”
With Kent not pushing for a move, and Rangers not keen on selling, Leeds face an uphill battle to sign the 23-year-old.
Bielsa Eyes Several More Deals
The Mail report Leeds are in the market for a winger and two midfielders before the transfer window shuts. It was also added that Leeds are monitoring the situation of Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez starred for Arsenal in the Community Shield on Saturday, retaining his place in the first team despite the return of Bernd Leno from injury. As many as 10 clubs are interested in Martinez, whose future is uncertain.
Despite rumours to the contrary, The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reported Martinez is nearing a new contract with the north London club.
Some believe Arsenal will listen to offers for Martinez. With Marcelo Bielsa considered to be an admirer of the goalkeeper, Leeds could be in the mix if Martinez leaves the Emirates Stadium this summer.
There haven’t been many goalkeeper links in this window so far for Leeds, making this a bit of an anomaly. The Martinez story will likely develop in the coming days.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
