Leeds ask about Newcastle-linked Inter star as Udinese deny De Paul talk

Leeds are reported to be contacted Inter Milan over a possible deal for unwanted midfielder Joao Mario.
The Portuguese star, who can play across the midfield, is back at the San Siro following a season-long loan with Lokomotiv Moscow.
However, Joao Mario has been told he has no future at Inter and the club are willing to listen to offers for him.
Antonio Conte’s side are said to be hoping for a cash deal but will consider a loan approach. His contract expires in summer 2022 and is expected to be allowed to leave for around €13m, reports O Jogo.
That has prompted interest from Newcastle United. West Ham, where the player spent the latter half of the 2017/18 season, are also in the running.
However, O Jogo reckons Leeds are also firmly in the running and could soon contact Inter over a potential deal.
The 27-year-old, who has 45 caps for his country, can cover a variety of positions and his versatility is said to appeal to Marcelo Bielsa.
The report adds that Galatasaray, Real Betis and Valencia are also contemplating approaches.
De Paul update looks bleak
Leeds remain pretty active in the Italian market. Their main priority, of course, lies with Udinese’s star man Rodrigo de Paul.
It is understood Leeds have made an initial €30m offer for the player. Since then, numerous clubs have all been linked with the player. There’s also been talk he is waiting on potential interest from Juventus.
The story then took its biggest step forward earlier this week when De Paul delivered this tantalising one-word answer to talk of joining Leeds.
Udinese though are said to be holding out for a €35m fee for the Argentine.
As such, their sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has provided an update and insists a deal with Leeds is yet to be struck.
“De Paul to Leeds? They’ve not matched €35m price tag at the moment, so I hope he can stay,” he said.