Leeds United face fierce Premier League competition for the signature of Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul with Leicester City launching a ‘strong survey’ of the Argentine, according to Sportitalia via Alfredo Pedulla.
Whites Director of Football Victor Orta is understood to be in communication with Udinese in an attempt to add De Paul to Marcelo Bielsa’s plans ahead of the new Premier League season, but is yet to reach a total agreement to sign the highly-skilful 26-year-old.
Leeds refused to deny having an interest in acquiring the 17-cap international when rumours of our interest first broke in August, with multiple outlets claiming that Bielsa was pushing United to land the signature of a forward who would add real quality to his plans.
However, Orta now risks missing out on Bielsa’s target as Leicester have joined in on the hunt that already featured strong rival interest from Juventus, AC Milan and Arsenal.
The Foxes are claimed to have launched a ‘strong survey’ of De Paul ahead of forging on with official bids to land the winger, who is now said to be valued by Udinese at €40million (£35.9m) including add-ons.
Leicester will be able to offer De Paul UEFA football next season having secured a place in the Europa League, too, and will be striving to qualify for the Champions League this term having missed out by just four points in 2019/20.
Will Leeds secure De Paul's services?
Yes
No
It has previously been suggested that Udinese had slapped a price tag of between €30m-35m (£26.9m-£31.4m) on their prise-asset, but it appears the Serie A side are now looking to bank on the increasing interest to secure the highest fee possible.
If Leeds now miss out on De Paul to Leicester, Orta will be left facing some serious questions given previous reports claimed the winger was keen on a move to Elland Road and had already agreed on personal terms.
De Paul being eager to secure a transfer to West Yorkshire and unite with his compatriot Bielsa could come to our aid in any further negotiations, however, so the story of the 26-year-old’s future remains one to keep an eye on.