Ao Tanaka to jet into UK on Tuesday night to sign for Leeds United amid £2.6m development

Leeds United have opened talks to sign Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reported via their website on 27 August that the 25-year-old could jet into the UK as early as Tuesday evening to finalise a move to Elland Road.

It is understood that the Japan central midfielder has a £2.65million release clause in his contract at Fortuna and there’s hope that a move can be wrapped up quickly so that he can play against Hull City this weekend.

Leeds United on verge of yet another new signing

Manor Solomon’s loan move from Tottenham has now been finalised so it’s natural for Gretar Steinsson and co to move on to Leeds’ next target.

Tanaka’s name is one that Leeds fans will probably be familiar with.

After impressing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Japan, the midfielder was linked with a move to Elland Road.

Of course, a move didn’t materialise back then but it looks like it’s going to now with the Japanese ace in the final year of his contract with Fortuna Dusseldorf, who play in the second tier of German football.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Daniel Farke is in his second season as Leeds United manager

Tanaka has played four times already this season for the 2.Bundesliga club, completing 90 minutes on each occasion.

He’ll be a major loss to them but could be a really good addition for the Whites for what seems to be quite a low price at £2.65million.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are favourites to sign this former Premier League attacker.

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