Tete confusion reigns as Leicester look to hijack disputed Leeds United bid for Lyon’s on-loan Shakhtar winger
Confusion has erupted amid conflicting reports of a transfer battle between Leeds United and Leicester for Brazilian winger Tete.
L’Equipe reported on Friday morning (27 January) that the 22-year-old was closing in on a move to Elland Road, but Leeds Live claim that neither the club nor Victor Orta have been in any discussions for the on-loan Lyon man.
It is suggested that a confusion between the Whites and the Premier League rival Foxes is behind the reports from France, but Foot Mercato have since updated their earlier report that Tete had missed training ahead of his Leeds move, to report that Brendan Rodgers side are in fact looking to hijack the United deal.
Further complicating matters, Leicester had wanted Leeds United winger Jack Harrison but were rebuffed, with Jesse Marsch all but ruling out an exit for the former Manchester City man in his press conference on Thursday [via Phil Hay, 26 January].
Leeds Live report that “there is no appetite for any more forward additions” after the club-record signing of Georginio Rutter.
But Foot Mercato have instead suggested a transfer battle, rather than a clarification between the two Premier League clubs, reporting: “If Leeds United is very hot as we revealed to you this morning, Leicester has not said its last word according to our information.
“Better, the Foxes believe in their chances and are even convinced of managing to recover.”
Bizarre
The ongoing pursuit of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie makes sense as that is the primary area where the team could still use strengthening.
But having brought in another high-priced attacker this month, while already having Harrison, Willy Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra, Crysencio Summerville and Brenden Aaronson rotating in the attacking midfield roles there appears to be no space for Tete.
The Shakhtar Donetsk man may well be on the move but it would surely be a huge surprise for him to appear at Elland Road before the end of the month.
The final days of the transfer window are always hectic, not least in January when teams are desperately trying to rectify their failings in the first half of the season, so stranger things have happened as conflicting reports fly.
Leeds United have already surprised many by spending a huge amount midseason, and appear close to increasing that number with McKennie.
Going in for Tete feels like overkill, so if there is an approach in progress that Leicester are looking to hijack, perhaps it would be better to let them do so and concentrate on getting the deal for the Juventus man over the line instead.
In other Leeds United news, an in-demand player has had a Friday medical ahead of a January departure from Elland Road.