Leeds United are working hard behind the scenes to improve their squad further before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Daniel Farke wants to add more quality to his squad and has made it clear that there are areas of the team that still need proper strengthening.
Leeds hope to finalise the arrival of Michael Zetterer as their backup goalkeeper in the coming hours, but they are still in the market for a striker, and Farke would love to get a left-sided attacker.
The Whites are considering several options, and a few players are being considered before a final decision is made on certain targets in the coming days.
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Key trio resist Leeds United target’s sale
Leeds held talks with Igor Paixao’s representatives earlier in the transfer window, but they were not ready to match Marseille’s asking price of £42m+.
However, Marseille are under huge pressure to sell the Brazilian and chairman Frank McCourt is putting pressure on the club to cash in on the winger.
Sunderland felt that they had an agreement in place to sign Paixao for a deal worth £30m. But according to La Provence via MaxiFoot, there is an internal dispute over selling the player.
McCourt is still pushing the club to sell the winger, but there is a key trio behind the scenes at Marseille who are resisting his sale.
Club president Stephane Richard, sporting director Gregory Lorenzi and manager Bruno Genesio are all opposed to the idea of selling Paixao.
They believe Paixao is too good a player for the club to sell him for a knocked-down fee, and they want Marseille to hold on to him.
Paixao is also not pushing for a transfer and would prefer to stay at Marseille beyond the end of the season.
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Can Leeds still get involved?
Whether Marseille ultimately sanction Paixao’s departure despite the resistance from the trio remains to be seen, but the internal power struggle is something that will spark intrigue amongst his Premier League suitors.
Marseille’s dire financial situation suggests that McCourt will get his way and manage to sell the Brazilian in the coming days.
Sunderland appear to be leading the race at the moment, leaving Leeds with a decision to make over whether to step up their interest and make a serious attempt to bring Paixao to Elland Road.
Leeds also face a potential disadvantage in the race. Unlike Sunderland, they cannot offer Paixao European football this season, and that could prove a significant factor in convincing the Brazilian to leave Marseille.
