Euro Paper Talk: Huge Rodrigo de Paul boost puts Leeds in transfer control

Rodrigo de Paul, Udinese captain

Leeds United are firmly in the driving seat over a club-record deal to sign Rodrigo de Paul this summer, Man Utd have established contact for a €65m summer signing, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea have been offered their money back on a summer signing.

‘LEEDS ABOVE ALL’ FOR DE PAUL

Rodrigo de Paul’s next club will be “Leeds above all” amid reports an ambitios new suitor has joined the race for the Argentine’s signature.

The Udinese star was strongly linked with Leeds last summer as they prepared for their return to the Premier League. His asking price of €35m was too steep for what United were willing to pay and a bid never materialised. However, they continue to be linked and he remains a player of interest to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Their need for De Paul appears stronger than ever with the talismanic Pablo Hernandez likely to depart. There are also some doubts emerging over the future of record signing Rodrigo Moreno.

While speculation has continued over De Paul’s future, he has simply got on with his job. He’s enjoyed another stellar season with Udinese, scoring six goals and weighing in with five assists.

It’s now just Leeds who are keen, however, with Liverpool and Inter Milan also credited with an interest.

Now reports from TuttoAtalanta claim that Atalanta have also joined the race to sign him. They state that while Udinese are sticking to their €35m asking price, it’s suggested they are open to his sale.

Michael Duberry reflects on Leeds United career

Michael Duberry reflects on Leeds United career

Michael Duberry looks back on his career on the Scottish Football Podcast including his time at Elland Road.

However, it’s reported that Atalanta’s path to De Paul looks far from easy. Despite being able to offer European football, they state it is Leeds who are ‘ringing the loudest siren’. Furthermore, they state De Paul’s choice this summer is ‘Leeds United above all’. Indeed, it seems the appeal of playing in the Premier League and for revered countryman Marcelo Bielsa is strong for the Udinese captain.

Those reports will also come as a huge lift to their faithful who are desperate to see De Paul sign.

BARCELONA OFFER CHELSEA ESCAPE FOR TIMO WERNER

Barcelona are willing to give Chelsea €50m, effectively their money back, for Timo Werner this summer. (Don Balon)

Manchester United have already established contact with Pau Torres’ agent as a €65m summer move edges closer. (AS)

Journalist Fabrizio Romano admits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bring Erling Haaland to Manchester United this summer. (Give Me Sport)

Barcelona have offered a three-year contract to Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. (Mundo Deportivo)

Club Brugge are ready to push the boat out to try and lure Toby Alderweireld from Tottenham this summer. (Voetbal24)


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WEST HAM, LEEDS CHASE OMAR COLLEY

Omar Colley

West Ham, Leeds, Newcastle and Fulham are being linked with Sampdoria defender Omar Colley. (ClubDoria46)

Juventus are pushing ahead with ambitious plans to bring Moise Kean back from Everton. (Tuttosport)

Juventus director Fabio Paratici has met Mino Raiola to discuss a transfer for Ajax starlet Ryan Gravenberch. (Calciomercato)

Getafe boss Jose Bordalas and Granada coach Diego Martinez are on a shortlist at Valencia to replace Javi Gracia. (Marca)

Fabian Ruiz insists he is happy at Napoli despite reports linking him with a move to Atletico Madrid. (AS)

Mohamed Salah has dismissed claims he’s out for revenge against Sergio Ramos – but has teased that he won’t rule out a move to Spain. (Marca)

AND MORE FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is considering another season away from Serie A before retiring. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino and sporting director Leonardo are working on a deal to bring Sergio Aguero to the French capital. (Fijaches)

Arsenal and West Ham are among the clubs interested in offering Brondby talent Jesper Lindstrom the next step in his career. (Jeunes Footeux)

Fikayo Tomori aims to become ‘one of the best defenders in the world’ and wants to impress Paolo Maldini at Milan. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Manchester United and Liverpool are ready to battle Tottenham for RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. (Bild)

Manchester City are ready to fend off interest from Real Madrid in young striker Liam Delap. (various)