Leeds United have recently been credited with interest in Nottingham Forest star Jota Silva. The Portuguese midfielder is reportedly one of the alternatives after the Whites missed out on Igor Paixao.
Daniel Farke has complained that Leeds need some reinforcements after the events of this week. The club has seen some injuries piling up, with up to five players missing out on the team’s friendly against Villarreal. With less than two weeks till the Premier League opener against Everton, there seems to be some cause for concern.
Leeds had planned to go all out to sign Paixao; the club had presented a solid proposal to the Brazilian. Everything seemed to go smoothly, with the club submitting a formal bid. Then the winger chose to join Marseille in a shocking turn of events. This missed opportunity has now caused the Whites to shift their transfer plans.
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Sporting CP win race for Leeds United target
Credit: Imago
The pursuit of Jota Silva is very real according to reports, Leeds see him as an attainable target that can add something to their attack. It was rumoured that Leeds were being used to inflate the price to sell to Sporting according to Graeme Bailey:
“Sporting Lisbon have agreed terms to an extent, but they wouldn’t agree on whether the loan includes an option or an obligation.”
“Our information is that Forest actually wanted an obligation of around £10 million. However, I think Leeds will do very well to persuade him not to go to Sporting.
“In fact, I suspect they might have been offered him, or Leeds are being used to get a deal done.”
Portuguese outlet Record are now reporting that Sporting CP have won the race to sign Jota Silva. Forest and the buying club held talks to finalize a transfer on Tuesday.
Fiorentina star reportedly set for move
Another Leeds target, Riccardo Sottil, is training alone this week as Fiorentina anticipate a transfer for him. The Whites have shown interest in the winger, but nothing concrete has been offered so far.
Unless there is a new update, it is unlikely that Leeds are the club involved in that deal.
Leeds racing against time to find another target
After missing out on Igor Paixao, the club can now add Jota Silva to the list. The names that have been lined up by Leeds continue to dwindle as the days go. With less than two weeks till the opening game, it is difficult to see where the Whites will get their latest signing from.
