Leeds sources react as multi-million transfer bid allegedly submitted
Leeds United are not in the market for a new defensive midfielder as reports linking the Whites with Dje D’avilla are wide of the mark, according to Joe Donnohue.
The Yorkshire Evening Post writer (14 January) says reports from Portugal, stating a £3.4million bid for the UD Leiria midfielder had been made by Leeds, are inaccurate.
Daniel Farke is understood to be content with the deep midfield options he already has, which consist of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rothwell, Ao Tanaka, Josuha Guilavogui and the recently-returned Ilia Gruev.
Leiria compete in the Portuguese second division, with D’avilla, 21, having represented the club since 2022.
Leeds United already happy with midfield
Farke has consistently played down the idea that heavy transfer activity will take place during the current window at Leeds United.
The Whites made several encouraging moves in the summer to strengthen their squad but concerns arose that the first-team roster was too small.
However, Farke continues to boast a high standard of options and is unlikely to splash the cash on any reinforcements unless they present themselves as a major bargain.
Leeds are mindful of PSR constraints, having been forced to send several stars to the Premier League to balance the books last summer.
D’avilla would have found it tremendously difficult to play in his preferred position at Elland Road in any case, with Ampadu and Gruev now back to fitness, Guilavogui joining as a free agent in late October and Tanaka and Rothwell performing excellently in the absence of their midfield teammates.
In other Leeds news, Paul Robinson says the club would be fine if they let a key defender leave.
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