Leeds United were willing to pay Derby County striker Matej Vydra a wage of £30,000-a-week before they cooled their interest as they hunt out a new striker to lead the line, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Whites were open to splashing out for the Czech international hitman, but that the Rams forward’s demands mean that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have taken a step back in their pursuit.
However, it is not stated that Leeds have completely ended their pursuit, as the Argentinian manager seeks out a new striker after seeing no less than three forward options out the exit door this summer.
Opinion
Wages of £30,000-a-week are by no means out of the realms of reality in the Championship any more, but even though Vydra finished last season as the league’s top scorer it is clear to see why Leeds would be reluctant to fork out any more money for his capture. That sort of wage would take up a huge chunk of their allotted budget and with Bielsa looking for a couple more signings before the summer window comes to a close, he cannot afford to be putting all his eggs in one basket when it comes to what the new recruits are earning. It could be that Leeds continue negotiations in the background, keeping the Czech international as an option in case they cannot find what they are looking for, but it seems as though he will only be arriving at Elland Road either as a last resort, or if he lessens his demands over the next couple of weeks.