Details of failed £18m Leeds move for Cuisance emerge as Bielsa fumes

Fresh details have emerged over why Leeds failed in their bid to bring in Michael Cuisance from Bayern Munich.

The French midfielder had appeared to be on the brink of a switch to Elland Road on Thursday after arriving for his medical.

The two clubs had agreed an £18million deal for the 21-year-old, who was set to pen a five-year contract.

The player also snubbed a late bid from a rival in order to complete his move to the Premier League.

However, the transfer fell through at the 11th hour after the player failed a medical.

The Athletic reports that a foot problem was to blame and forced Leeds to pull the plug on the deal.

French outlet l‘Équipe also reports that once Bielsa found out the injury would keep Cuisance out for several weeks, he was left incredibly ‘disappointed’.

The report adds that Bielsa only wants players who are up to speed to help his side right now. The Argentine will not wait for new signings to build up their fitness, given how thick and fast the games are coming this season.

Michael Cuisance

Leeds are now expected to focus on other targets, ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday night.

Bielsa could opt to pursue the club’s interest in Norwich’s Todd Cantwell, whose asking price is around the same as Cuisance.

Udinese playmaker Rodrigo de Paul is another option, but he would cost almost double that fee. The Serie A outfit are demanding €35m for his signature.

 

Villarreal close to signing Leeds target

Villarreal are set to beat two of their rivals to the signing of a Tottenham star before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Yellow Submarine have been in competition with Valencia and Real Sociedad for Spurs defender Juan Foyth.

However, Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) states that the former have won the race for the Argentine’s signature.

Juan Foyth TEAMtalk

The report claims that talks are at an ‘advanced stage’, with Villarreal also close to signing forward Haissem Hassan.

Despite strong interest from Valencia, Mundo reports that the Argentina international will join Villarreal.

Leeds and Fulham had both been strongly linked with a move for the player, whos looks set to head to Spain on loan with an option to buy.