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Philipp Max: Leeds United plan ripped up as PSV distort demands for left-back after optimistic offer
Leeds United would have to raise their offer for Philipp Max significantly to stand any chance of prising him away from PSV Eindhoven, according to reports.
Max recently emerged as a potential target for Leeds, who need to sign a new left-back. Junior Firpo struggled for consistency in his debut season and will miss the start of the new campaign due to injury.
Therefore, it would be beneficial for Leeds to add a full-back to their squad. In that regard, there were claims earlier this week of them preparing an offer for Max.
The Germany international is currently playing in the Eredivisie with PSV. Sources suggested Leeds would bid around €8million (£6.7million).
It seemed to be a bargain deal, but perhaps that meant it was too good to be true. Indeed, Eindhovens Dagblad has since reported that it would take much more for PSV to consider cashing in on their own first-choice left-back.
Any interested parties – be that Leeds or a club from the Bundesliga, such as Union Berlin – would have to bid significantly higher than Max’s market value to convince PSV a sale could be a good idea. Hence, he could cost an eight-figure sum.
It remains to be seen if Leeds will revise their plans regarding Max’s value. Perhaps they could look for a different target if they decide he would be too expensive after all.
For now, Leeds will be entering the season with Leo Hjelde as their only natural left-back, although he only made three appearances last season and mainly spent time with the under-23 setup.
With that in mind, it is clear to see why Leeds may be considering a more experienced left-back in the transfer window. When it comes to Max, though, PSV are in no hurry to lose the 28-year-old.
He remains under contract in Eindhoven until 2024.
Leeds need new left-back despite Philipp Max chances decreasing
It has been a busy summer for Leeds’ sporting director, Victor Orta. In the transfer window, they have sold two of their key players, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.
But there have also been plenty of new signings coming to Elland Road. For example, Jesse Marsch has reunited with a few of his former players, like Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Tyler Adams.
He has also welcomed some new faces like Luis Sinisterra and Marc Roca. Meanwhile, Leeds have invested for the future with Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins.
If they are to make another signing, two areas of the team spring to mind. One would be at centre-forward, to provide support for Patrick Bamford. But the left-back issue seems to be the most pressing one.
If their pursuit of Max is not going to be successful, they need to get to work on finding other players who can plug the gap.