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Leeds United approach PSG for Julian Draxler

The German playmaker has reportedly not been receptive to the Whites’ offer.

Switzerland v Germany - UEFA Nations League
Julian Draxler in Nations League action for Germany against Switzerland at St. Jakob-Park, Basel on September 6, 2020.
Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Leeds United have approached PSG regarding the potential transfer of Germany international Julian Draxler, according to RMC Sport.

The 2019/20 Champions League finalists are reportedly looking to offload players to balance the books, and Leeds appear to have swooped at the opportunity to sign Draxler, who has one year left on his current deal in Paris.

Having made just 11 Ligue 1 appearances for the nine-time French Champions last season, Draxler has supposedly been told on multiple occasions that his services are no longer required at Les Parc des Princes.

The 26-year-old has been linked with Bayer Leverkusen, who are looking to recuperate from the losses of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland, while Tottenham Hotspur have also been name-dropped due to Jose Mourinho’s reported interest in Draxler while manager at Manchester United.

The rumours have emerged alongside reports that Leeds have had a 35 million euro bid for Udinese star Rodrigo De Paul rejected, with the Serie A outfit holding out for 40 million euros.

However, former Wolfsburg and Schalke midfielder Draxler has supposedly responded negatively to the Whites’ initial approach, and it would take a significant financial offer to prise him from his Paris home.

Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich - UEFA Champions League Final
PSG’s Julian Draxler evades a challenge from Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka during the Champions League final in Lisbon - August 23, 2020.
Photo by Lluis Gene/Pool via Getty Images

Draxler has registered 80 assists and scored 83 goals across all competitions in his career, winning 14 trophies including the 2014 World Cup with Germany, after emerging as one of his country’s brightest young talents. He has a current market value of £21.6m, according to Transfermarkt.

Now in his prime, the 53-time German international would land in Leeds as a premium player, and an ideal long term replacement for Spanish veteran Pablo Hernandez. However, any deal seems unlikely at this stage.

Do you think there is any substance in this rumour? Or is this the latest example of silly season as Leeds are linked with another big-name star? Let us know your thoughts @ThruItAllLUFC.