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Leeds United lead rivals in pursuit of Rodrigo De Paul transfer
Leeds United are leading the race to sign Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, report Tutto Atalanta.
The outlet suggests there is interest in the 26-year-old from around Europe, including Serie A side Atalanta.
It is believed Udinese want €35million [£30m] for De Paul, who has had an “extraordinary season” according to Goal.
The Whites first registered an interest in the Argentinian last summer [The Guardian], but instead, Rodrigo was the only midfielder who arrived at Elland Road.
Sign of ambition
Moving back in for De Paul shows that Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani are determined to get their man.
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It is easy to see why, too, as he has had a brilliant season so far – Rodrigo, by contrast, has struggled with inconsistency.
De Paul has six goals and six assists from midfield and is the type of player who can take Leeds to the next level.
With him and Kalvin Phillips in midfield we would have top-class attacking and defensive quality in the middle of the pitch.
He has a growing reputation and beating Atalanta and other European clubs would highlight our pedigree.
His arrival would show that we are serious about becoming a European outfit and would help to convince players like Raphinha that we are progressing well.
A £30m fee would be a considerable outlay but he is clearly rated by our recruitment team and we back their knowledge.
After pursuing De Paul for so long his arrival would likely be a big boost for the fans too, and there would be a lot of expectation on him to perform.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are eager to sign £12.8m-rated ace who defied the odds recently on international duty.