Civil war breaks out at Marseille over Igor Paixao amid potential move to Leeds United

Leeds United will need to navigate a complex Marseille situation if they are to sign Igor Paixao.

The 26-year-old winger has been strongly linked with a move to Elland Road throughout the summer.

Daniel Farke is still looking to do some more transfer business before the 1 September deadline.

Paixao fits the versatile mould that Farke loves at Leeds, with the Brazilian capable of playing on the left, through the middle and even as a wing-back.

He only joined Marseille last summer from Feyenoord, and enjoyed a strong debut season with 12 goals and six assists from 42 total appearances.

As a result, internal conflict has arisen between key figures at the French side over what to do with him in what remains of the summer window.

How Marseille manager Bruno Genesio feels about Igor Paixao exit

Leeds have been told Paixao could cost up to £42.7million, possibly breaking the Whites' transfer record again this summer.

He has scored double-figure goals in five of his last six full seasons though, and would surely be a quality addition to Farke's forward line.

But, a fresh update from France has painted a picture of chaos and confusion in the Marseille camp over how to proceed with Paixao's future.

French reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter claims that Genesio has absolutely no intention of seeing his star player leave.

On the flip side, it's claimed that a Marseille shareholder, presumed to be Frank McCourt who owns a 95 per cent stake, is very keen to sell the Brazilian.

So much so that Toubache-Ter claims that there is concern that Paixao would be sold for far too little.

It's a complex situation, but one that Leeds could potentially take full advantage of.

But what is Paixao's contract situation at Marseille, and does that also work in Leeds' transfer favour too?

Why Marseille fans will be furious if Paixao leaves on the cheap

Upon joining Marseille last summer, Paixao committed his long-term future to the French giants.

Indeed, he penned a five-year deal with them, meaning he's tied down there until the summer of 2030.

As a result, it's no wonder then that Toubache-Ter has detailed the concerns over him being allowed to leave on the cheap.

Marseille should be able to hold out for a premium price, especially in these final days of the window when buying clubs can start to get desperate.

That's not to say this is what will happen with Leeds, but if a surprise cut-price deal is there to be done, Whites chiefs should be all over it.