Sky Sports Germany respond to Leeds United medical rumours for Ao Tanaka as ‘lucrative’ transfer wanted
Leeds United withdrew their interest in Ao Tanaka as they were not convinced of the Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder’s qualities, according to Sky Sports Germany.
The reliable news source also posted on its online transfer blog on Wednesday [30 August, 15:53] that Dusseldorf still hope to sell Tanaka for a “lucrative” sum before the window closes.
It had previously been reported by Rheinische Post [29 August] that Leeds’ interest dwindled in the Japan international following a “horror” training incident, ultimately leading to the move collapsing.
However, Sky Sports Germany denied that is the case, with Leeds simply reneging on a deal after failing to be impressed by the player.
Clarity… of sorts
There has been real confusion over this move for Tanaka – and the reasoning behind Leeds pulling out of a deal still seems rather strange.
The 24-year-old was identified as an option to strengthen United’s midfield, only for the club to then decide he is not good enough at a late stage in proceedings.
The initial reports of Tanaka carrying an injury made sense, but this latest update suggests those rumours were wide of the mark.
Instead, it is more likely that the Whites have another option – or options – lined up already.
Rangers’ Glen Kamara is a long-time target, while the likes of Kenny McLean and Matt O’Riley have also been linked with moves to Elland Road.
With just two days of the window left to run, though, Leeds need to make sure they get at least one of those transfers over the line.
In other Leeds United news, another player could be exiting Elland Road before the transfer window closes.