Talks ‘remain hot’ as Leeds get huge triple boost in Rodrigo De Paul hunt

Leeds United remain hopeful of bringing Rodrigo De Paul to the club following a positive update from a Udine-based paper.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have already broken their transfer record this summer to bring in Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia in a £27.5m deal.

However, that record may not stand for long if efforts to bring Argentina playmaker De Paul to the club prove successful.

Leeds first registered their interest for the player earlier this month and since then there has been a lot of conjecture.

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.

Those hopes suffered a jolt when it emerged Udinese insisted there would be no discount on their €35m asking price.

However, all hope is not lost for Leeds, with the very latest in Italy giving new hope a deal can be struck.

According to local Udine paper, Messaggero Veneto, ‘negotiation remains hot’ with Leeds United. Furthermore, they make it clear there’s still a firm chance of the player signing for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The article, translated by the excellent team at Sport Witness, post even better news for Leeds in terms of the price. They state an offer of €30m plus bonuses ‘should do it’ for Leeds. With United so far thought to have offered €30m, it’s believed a compromise might not be too hard to negotiate.

In addition, the paper claims Leeds still lead the chase and remain a preferred destination to the player. Interest from Roma is cited, while a €35m offer from Zenit – a transfer the player rejected – is also mentioned.

There is nothing concrete quoted from sources close to the deal. However, the report does paint an altogether more promising picture for Leeds.

• READ MORE: Emiliano Buendia makes choice clear amid Leeds, Villa, Palace links

LEEDS PUSHING FOR CHELSEA STAR

Meanwhile, Leeds are aiming to secure a permanent deal for a Chelsea star rated highly by Frank Lampard.

The Daily Mail report that one alternative to De Paul could be Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The 20-year-old has represented England an Under-21 level. He has gained experience on loan spells with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City.

The midfielder is described as being ‘highly’ rated by Lampard. And the Chelsea boss would prefer to let Gallagher gain further experience via another loan stint.

However, the article describes Bielsa and Leeds as having ‘such faith Gallagher will fit into Bielsa’s style that they are willing to buy him.’ Read more…