Why Leeds have just moved a lot closer to signing Igor Paixao from Marseille
Leeds United have had encouraging signs about the possibility of signing Marseille's Igor Paixao.
The forward looks likely to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer, with the side said to be financially struggling.
The Brazilian has emerged as key to solving some of Marseille's off-field constraints, as well as Leeds' on-field issues.
It's said that the Whites are looking to bolster their frontline even further, with a versatile forward who can play centrally and on the wings preferred.
Daniel Farke has already been left feeling frustrated after Julian Brandt snubbed a move to Elland Road in favour of joining Dutch giants Ajax.
However, the transfer dominoes appear to be falling in favour of Leeds, who have renewed confidence to strike a deal with Marseille for Paixao.
How Leeds' move for Igor Paixao 'strengthened' by Marseille developments
According to Express, Celtic have moved ahead of Marseille in the race to sign Real Oviedo's Haissem Hassan, and are now financially out of reach to get back in the mix for the Egyptian's signature.
The French club have now turned their attention to free agent Krepin Diatta, who is a free agent after leaving Monaco earlier this summer.
Given the interest in the attack-minded Diatta, partnered with Marseille's need to raise around £128million in sales by June of 2027 to comply with regulations, Leeds' hopes for Paixao have been "strengthened".
Developments have suggested that the French club are more willing to sell Paixao this summer, with reports implying that the Whites may have to pay £42.5m for his signature.
It's said that discussions may go more smoothly due to Marseille's need to sell, with some reports claiming a deal could even be done for as little as £30m.
The 26-year-old has made his Premier League ambition no secret either, with a move to LS11 now surely closer than ever.
What Paixao has previously said about Premier League move
Leeds were interested in signing Paixao this time last year, but the left-winger chose a move to France instead.
The move was completed for around £25m, but just over 12 months later, he could get his Premier League dream.
In an interview with GE Globo in November of 2022 while at Feyenoord, he said: "The Premier League is a dream for me. Making it to the national team is another goal. I'm going to work towards that, so I can be at the Olympic Games.
"And of course, I want to give my family an even better future, be able to help more, and have a well-established career in football."
Paixao didn't play for Brazil at youth level, and so a move to Leeds in England could be the only way for him to catch Carlo Ancelotti's eye before it's too late.