Leeds United want Ao Tanaka more than ever, ‘signs are increasing’ deal will be done
Leeds United have a considerable chance of signing Ao Tanaka before this week’s transfer deadline, according to Rheinische Post.
The German publication [28 August] reported that the Japan midfielder was absent from training with his side Fortuna Dusseldorf on Wednesday, despite having played the full match in all four of the club’s competitive games so far this season.
Japanese source Sakanowa reported on Wednesday [28 August] that Leeds, who were interested in the 25-year-old last summer, are currently in talks with German second-division outfit Fortuna over a move.
Tanaka’s transfer fee may cost north of £3m, with Bild [28 August] claiming a £3.3m sum will be enough to prise away the player who has one year remaining on his current contract.
Leeds United aiming to strike Ao Tanaka deal
Despite Leeds United and Fortuna Dusseldorf competing at the same respective levels in their nations, there is no contest when it comes to the size and long-term potential of the clubs.
Whilst Tanaka missed training, there is no concern over any shift in attitude or any evidence of the midfielder attempting to force through a move, which is commonplace in the final week of the window.
With Archie Gray and Glen Kamara having departed for significant sums, Leeds are light in the middle of the park and certainly need a defensive midfield anchor, which is how the player operates best.
Tanaka is an excellent recoverer of the ball and ideal transition player, who can provide a hub for the creative talent which inhabits Daniel Farke’s team, and also has his own eye for goal with eight in 27 senior Japanese caps.
It could go to the wire – the German transfer window ends on Friday at 8pm local time [7pm UK time], but English clubs can sign players until 11pm.
Farke knows the German market inside-out and with the key signs of Tanaka’s training ground absence and contractual situation at play, it is very likely a deal could be struck to bring him to Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, one attacker on the club’s list of targets may cost upwards of £5m.
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