Leeds United at Elland Road. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Leeds United at Elland Road. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Leeds United at Elland Road. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Leeds United transfer news: Club chief delivers big De Paul update, Whites keen on versatile international talent

Leeds United’s pursuit of Rodrigo De Paul was one of the most reported and protracted transfer sagas of last summer.

The Udinese star was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road prior to the Whites’ return to the Premier League, and at one stage even seemed keen on a switch himself, judging by his social media activity.

But while a transfer failed to materialise in 2020, a fresh update Udinese sporting director Pasquale Masino could be enough to fan the flames of speculation again this summer.

Speaking to Radio 24, as reported by the Daily Mail, the Serie A chief said: “He has characteristics that many top clubs in Europe are missing.

“I hope it doesn't happen, but whoever signs him next summer will raise their team to a different level.”

Leeds aren’t the only side to be linked with De Paul, with Liverpool also said to be keen, but the Whites’ interest in the South American would still be more than justified if they were to reignite their pursuit in the coming months.

As per Wyscout, De Paul has made 0.62 more interceptions per game than Mateusz Klich this season, as well as winning 8.4% more of his contested duels, completing 14.9% more of his attempted dribbles, and having a higher xG.

The Udinese man is clearly a top, well-rounded talent, and the door to his exit may have just been opened a little further by Marino’s comments.

Elsewhere, Leeds are said to be interested in signing Slavia Prague midfielder Oscar Dorley.

According to EFotbal, the Whites could be willing to pay up to £7 million for the Liberian, who can play as a defensive midfielder or at left-back.

The 22-year-old has 11 senior caps for his country, and has featured 19 times for the Czech champions this season.

And while the versatile talent may not be as much of a household name as De Paul, for instance, there is certainly enough to suggest that he has plenty of potential.

Using Klich again as a point of reference, Dorley has made 1.59 more interceptions per game this season, as well as completing 20.1% more dribbles, and averaging a pass completion rate that is 2.1% better than the Pole’s.

We’ve gathered the rest of this lunchtime’s Premier League transfer gossip below: