Leicester City to challenge Leeds United in Rodrigo De Paul saga

Leicester City are set to rival Leeds United in the chase to sign Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

The Foxes, who have qualified for European football for the first time since winning the Premier League in 2016, will hope their current Europa League status can entice the Argentina international.

A host of Italian clubs, including 36-time Serie A champions Juventus, are also eyeing the 26-year-old, who boasts an asking price of around £35m.

Having already achieved their main targets in Spain striker Rodrigo Moreno and Germany centre-back Robin Koch, Leeds are in no rush to gain De Paul’s signature, according to Phil Hay.

The increasing competition for the former Valencia and Racing Club player has resulted in old links resurfacing and new rumours being forged; Liverpool winger Harry Wilson is reportedly still a target, while Barcelona’s Rafinha has been touted as a potential De Paul alternative.

For the past week, no solid breakthroughs appear to have been made by Leeds, with journalists repeating that a deal for Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol has been agreed while talks for De Paul continue with Udinese.

Supporters are still hopeful that Leeds are the frontrunners in this transfer saga, with De Paul liking an Instagram post by club record signing Rodrigo three days ago.

The versatile player has certainly emerged as the most appealing players among the many who have been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent months, and many are convinced he would perfectly suit Marcelo Bielsa’s tactics.

Do you think Leeds stand a good chance of fighting off interest in De Paul from the likes of Leicester and Juventus? How much would you be willing to pay for the Argentine should a bidding war break out? As always, let us know @ThruItAllLUFC.