Why Leeds United may now renege on agreement as Lucas Perri exit stalls

Lucas Perri's future continues to hang in the balance as Leeds United look to do what is best.

The one certainty regarding the Brazilian keeper is that he will not be at Elland Road come the end of the summer transfer window.

James Trafford's arrival means Perri has no chance of being number one in West Yorkshire this coming campaign.

Exactly where Perri ends up, though, remains a tough one to call amid the widespread ongoing speculation.

A deal was in place for the 28-year-old to join Torino, but Marseille made a late attempt to hijack a move that looked certain.

And it now looks like there is a new favourite to land Perri's signature this summer.

Why Marseille are now favourites to sign Lucas Perri from Leeds

Perri had been due to undergo a medical with Torino - that is how advanced a move was.

It is believed the medical did not take place as planned due to the former Brazil age-grade international carrying a minor injury.

That could prove a sliding doors moment for Perri, as Marca journalist Matteo Moretto reported via X late on Thursday that Marseille have ramped up talks to sign the goalkeeper.

A baseline agreement is said to have been in place between Leeds and Torino, but nothing was ever 100 per cent locked in.

Torino have now lost their advantage over Marseille and Leeds are not against Perri - hailed as "excellent" by Sean Longstaff last season after his penalty shootout heroics against Birmingham City - joining the French side.

Leeds may prefer Marseille exit for Perri

Leeds will not stand in Perri's way regardless, though a switch to Marseille would be more beneficial.

That is due to the Ligue 1 side reportedly being willing to buy Perri, rather than having the option to do so after an initial loan.

Leeds were open to Perri returning to Elland Road in a year's time, before his future can be assessed.

But if a fee can be landed this summer, it will provide a chance to bring in additional funds and draw a line under what was a failed transfer.

Based off these latest reports, you would imagine Perri will now rock up in a Marseille shirt rather than a Torino one this season.