How Igor Paixao has responded to potential wage cut after prolonged Leeds United interest
Marseille attacker Igor Paixao has now discussed his wage after plenty of interest from Leeds United.
There was an aim over the summer to bolster attacking areas in Daniel Farke's squad.
The Brazilian was looked at as a potential option as his future looked to be up in the air in France.
There was a need for OM to make sales to help solve a tricky financial situation.
A move to Elland Road never materialised in the end as he remained in Ligue 1 beyond deadline day.
Paixao continues to be linked with a move to Elland Road, to this day, and has now spoken out as he learns about a potential wage cut.
Where Igor Paixao has now pledged his loyalty
It doesn't seem as if an LS11 switch has ever been too close to going through.
He has been a player of interest since the Whites were promoted to the Premier League, but remains one who has got away.
Marseille's financial woes had looked to leave the door open to an exit over the summer.
The 26-year-old instead decided to stick around and has now revealed that he would even be willing to lower his wages to help OM.
French outlet Canal+, as quoted by RMC Sport, asked him about some of his teammates taking wage cuts, and he confirmed he'd be happy to follow suit.
Paixao said: "No, no, they haven't discussed a pay cut with me. If it's necessary to reduce his salary to help the club, that's the best thing to do and then increase it.
"We just need to have a discussion and decide on the best way to do that."
That points towards the Brazilian feeling at home at the Orange Velodrome, but could Leeds revisit a deal?
Could Leeds United still sign Paixao?
It seems that the attacker himself is willing to stick around in Ligue 1 for as long as he is wanted.
That directly contrasts reports from Top Mercato that suggest he has his eye on a move next summer.
Leeds have been named as a side with interest as his valuation sits between £34million and £42m.
That would represent a sizable outlay for Farke and Co.
The question would be whether they would be willing to spend that much on someone who may not be a guaranteed upgrade on Noah Okafor.
The Switzerland international would likely serve as the main competition for Paixao.
Given that the ex-AC Milan forward has already made a name for himself at Elland Road, it could be silly to overspend on an alternative for him at this stage.