Sky Sports journalist posts huge Leeds transfer update as decision made on major deal

Leeds United have lost out in their bid to sign young centre-back Josko Gvardiol, according to Sky Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano.

In a tweet put out overnight, Romano claims that Gvardiol has turned down the last contract offer from Leeds.

Romano claims the player will now join RB Leipzig.

Meanwhile, Romano claims that the pursuit of Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is still ongoing.

He said that the Serie A club had rejected the last offer from Leeds, which was £22.8m.

The Athletic's Phil Hay claims that Udinese want £35m for the player.

Leeds need a centre-back

This seems pretty definitive and backs up other reports that had claimed Gvardiol preferred a move to RB Leipzig over Leeds.

The one thing in Leeds' favour was that they were offering more money for the defender, but they haven't been able to convince the 18-year-old that a move to Elland Road is the best thing for his career.

It's a real shame. Index HR claimed that Leeds had bid £18m for the centre-back but the Whites will now have to go back to the drawing board after a protracted pursuit has failed.

Leeds desperately need cover at centre-back, with just Liam Cooper and Robin Koch as senior options.

There are still questions surrounding Koch but even given that he will likely be first choice at the back, Leeds still need proper cover.

The worry now is that Marcelo Bielsa will decide that he doesn't need another player after missing out on Gvardiol.

He's very particular about signing new players, especially after the season has started. We really think cover is needed.

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