In-the-know journalist David Ornstein has recently made a claim regarding Leeds United’s pursuit of Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
Earlier this week, the Argentine player seemed to indicate over Twitter that he wanted to move to Elland Road by responding with ‘Yes’ to a tweet which stated that he was keen for the transfer (via The Sun).
However, as stated in a report by Tuttosport (via Football Italia), the Whites were looking at a possible €40m (£37m) fee for the transfer to take place.
So, in the latest episode of Ask Ornstein on YouTube, the journalist claimed that the transfer fee was an impassable hurdle for Marcelo Bielsa’s outfit.
He said: “Now, it seems that De Paul did want to come to Leeds and that would have been a very exciting signing for them, but I don’t think Leeds can get close to the asking price.
“Reportedly [it is] €40m that the Serie A club want, and the last I heard, Leeds saw that asking price – and a deal, therefore – as being impossible.
“So, presumably, they would move their targets on elsewhere and that raises the question, could [Harry] Wilson come back on the radar? But if Bielsa doesn’t want him, then I don’t see that happening.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what Ornstein had to say, it is seemingly ‘impossible’ for the Whites to stump up the fee that Udinese reportedly want for De Paul.
That may mean that Leeds make a move to sign Harry Wilson from Liverpool, who was linked with the club in recent months (per The Sun), however, Ornstein does not see that happening.
Should Leeds try and find €40m (£37m) to seal the arrival of Rodrigo de Paul?
No, he's not worth that
Yes, he's a class player
Unfortunately for the Elland Road faithful, it seemingly looks as though they will miss out on De Paul – who appears to be a talented player.
During the 2019/20 Serie A campaign, the 26-year-old midfielder earned a 7.25/10 average rating for Udinese over 34 appearances (per WhoScored), which made him their best-performing player.
So, hopefully, for supporters of the Whites, Bielsa can find a midfielder who is just as talented – but for a more affordable fee.