Leeds United ready to pay millions for Joseph Paintsil amid behind-the-scenes dispute at Genk – Phil Hay
Leeds United are ready to pay around £10million for Genk winger Joseph Paintsil, but the move remains in doubt due to a stand-off between the player and his club, according to Phil Hay.
The Championship side have been locked in battle with second-tier rivals Southampton over the 25-year-old [Ghana Soccer Net].
Hay reported on The Athletic’s transfer blog on Tuesday [29 August, 08:32] that no deal is in place for Paintsil, despite the fact Leeds are willing to pay an eight-figure sum.
Paintsil is said to be wrangling with Genk over bonuses potentially owed to him, which in turn has led to United’s interest stalling somewhat.
Decision time
Unfortunately for Leeds, time is not on their side to get a deal for the Ghana international over the line.
Not only do the Whites have to wait for Paintsil and Genk to sort out their financial issue, they must then see off competition from Southampton.
At this stage, it is looking increasingly unlikely that a move to Elland Road will be confirmed ahead of the 11pm deadline on 1 September.
With doubts over whether moves for Tottenham defender Djed Spence and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri will go through [The Athletic], it is looking as though it may be a frustrating final few days of the window for Leeds.
Leeds’ targets have been made clear, but it may well be that they have to find an alternative to Paintsil as soon as possible if they are to avoid missing out on a new attacking midfielder.
In other Leeds United news, a bid has reportedly been submitted for another player.