Leeds disappointed as Inter bid to replace Eriksen with top Bielsa fancy

Inter Milan are planning a January bid for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul after the reasons for his move to Leeds United collapsing emerged.

De Paul was a major target for Leeds ahead of their return to the Premier League earlier this year. They were prepared to break their transfer record for the Argentine.

However, despite hints from De Paul that he wanted the move, nothing went through. He has since started the season in decent form with Udinese, recording two goals and one assist last month.

After the summer transfer window shut in October, there were rumours that Leeds could relaunch their efforts to sign De Paul in January.

However, their hopes of doing so have taken a hit. According to Todofichajes, Inter Milan are willing to make a move for him – and could prove to be the more tempting destination.

The report details a two-way battle between Juventus and Inter to offer De Paul the next step in Serie A. He has played in Italy since joining Udinese in 2016.

Now, he is ready for a challenge at a higher level. Juventus seemed to be the prime suitors for the 26-year-old, but Inter could now sneak ahead.

The website claims Juventus will not be able to afford an up-front payment for De Paul in January. If they were to sign him, it would have to be a loan with a buying clause.

In contrast, Inter are more likely to have funds available, giving them an opportunity to present a better offer to Udinese. It is suggested they are willing to put €35m on the table for De Paul.

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De Paul not convinced by Leeds

Leeds, though, seem to have been ruled out of the equation. The report adds that De Paul “had doubts about the project, not the salary” – hence his move to Elland Road not going through.

However, the midfielder seems destined to be on the move soon, with Udinese knowing that his “goodbye is near”.

If Inter do make the offer of €35m, it is predicted that Udinese would accept it straight away. That means the Nerazzurri are now the “big favourite” to sign De Paul.

In turn, that could be another sign that Inter will be moving Christian Eriksen on in January. Things have not gone to plan for the former Tottenham star since leaving for the Italian club at the start of 2020.

Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the player, but Tottenham have no interest in taking him back.

Even so, Inter are searching for suitors so they can cut their losses on the Danish international, whom they have admitted is not “functional” in Antonio Conte’s system.

READ MORE: Leeds transfer fixer in major admission over Rodrigo De Paul link