Fresh twist emerges in Leeds United, Southampton and Burnley transfer pursuit of Joseph Paintsil

Southampton have also failed to secure the services of Joseph Paintsil much like Leeds United while Burnley have made initial moves, according to Ibrahim Sannie Daara.

The Ghana Soccernet founder and former BBC journalist reported on Thursday (31 August) that the terms the Saints offered to Genk were not suitable to them either.

Burnley have now started talks with the 25-year-old Ghana international's agents and the Belgian club as they aim to bring him to the Premier League.

Daara wrote on Twitter, "Burnley have moved to sign Ghana winger Joseph Paintsil as proposed moves to Leeds Utd & Southampton failed.

"Talks with Genk and agents of the player started moments ago to reach a deal before the transfer deadline in the coming hours."

Move on

Sky Sports reported in their live transfer blog (22 August, 16:49pm) that it will take £8.5million to sign Paintsil this summer.

If a Premier League club comes in for him, he undoubtedly will prefer joining them and that's the case with Burnley now.

Even if Leeds may get some encouragement with Southampton bowing out, they cannot go toe to toe with them financially.

They need to focus on other targets and try wrapping up as much as they can on Thursday rather than leaving things for deadline day.

As of now, they can write off Paintsil as a potential option if they haven't done that already and focus on better things.

It remains to be seen how many new players they sign as it should be a busy 48 hours in the window for them.

In other Leeds United news, agents and personal terms update has emerged as the Whites have agreed a fee for another new signing.