Tete to snub Leeds United transfer in favour of move to Leicester City

Brazilian forward Tete is set to snub a move to Leeds United with rivals Leicester City in pole position to secure his signature after the player was pictured jetting into the UK, according to The Sun.

The Whites reportedly tabled a bid for the Shakhtar Donetsk forward, wanting him on a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to making the deal permanent in the summer [90Min, 27 January].

Also, French outlet L’Equipe reported on Friday morning [27 January] that Leeds were closing in on the move, but reports were swiftly denied by Leeds Live who claim that the club had not been in any discussions for the on-loan Lyon man.

Furthermore, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the Whites were solely focusing on a deal for Juventus’ Weston McKennie, with Leicester City in advanced talks to seal their second January signing.

And the Brazilian is now set to complete his move to the King Power, after passing his medical according to The Sun, [28 January, 17:23] and the player was pictured on Instagram with his representatives on a flight to the UK on Saturday afternoon [28 January].

Wasn’t needed

With the Whites well-stocked in the attacking department following the signing of Georginio Rutter from TSG Hoffenheim, it’s fair to say that they really didn’t need to sign Tete.

The club were right to focus their efforts on securing the services of McKennie as he addresses a pressing need in midfield after the departure of club fan-favourite Mateusz Klich.

Leeds United

At such a pivotal stage in their season, it’s important the Whites don’t get sucked into unnecessary January deals and Tete will have been a luxury addition that really wasn’t needed.

Certainly, it will hurt to see a target join a club that is in and around them in the Premier League table but coach Jesse Marsch can be proud of the business he’s done this month, but now the onus is on him and his players to deliver English top-flight football for next season.

In other Leeds United news, visit our live transfer blog for around-the-clock updates straight from Elland Road.