Leeds target Rodrigo de Paul set to join Atletico Madrid
Leeds United have been linked with Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul since last summer but he is now reportedly set to join Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina international dropped hints on social media last summer that he was open to moving to Elland Road, but that appears to be completely off the cards.
According to Sky Sports Italy transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Atletico are already planning medicals for De Paul, with a deal almost done for £30million.
The journalist posted thus on his personal Twitter account:
Heartbreaking news for Leeds fans
We have all dreamt of having the Argentine don the Whites colours, but the final straw has been delivered.
Paying £30million for such a top player is a huge bargain, and Leeds should have broken the bank for him.
Nevertheless, it does not appear that head coach Marcelo Bielsa really wants de Paul, and we would have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear poured cold water on any potential move on The Phil Hay Show, and that says it all.
The 27-year-old ended last season with nine goals and nine assists in 36 Serie A games, and the Elland Road outfit could do with such a quality in the attacking third.
While he is primarily a central midfielder, De Paul is also capable of playing in attack, and such players are rare.
Kalvin Phillips showed his attacking quality against Croatia during England’s Euro 2020 opener on Sunday, providing a brilliant assist for Raheem Sterling’s goal, and just maybe playing him slightly forward in midfield could give us our own De Paul?
In other Leeds news, Orta has devised Euro 2020 Whites scouting mission with trio sent to watch Tuesday clash.