Leeds United transfer news as Serie A giants ‘pessimistic’ over Whites January transfer plans

Here are the Leeds United transfer rumours and gossip on Sunday, January 15.

Serie A giants ‘pessimistic’ over Leeds United transfer plans

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Serie A league leaders Napoli are reportedly ‘pessimistic’ over their plan to bring in Morocco international and Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi after Leeds United sent him the ‘best offer he’s received’.

On top of the €25 million (£21m) price tag that the Whites are reportedly willing to pay for the 22-year-old’s services, they have also put a salary worth €2.5m (£2.2m) per season – which his believed to be the preferred offer.

The Italian media are now acknowledging that the Whites are ahead in the race for the Moroccan, with Napoli ‘struggling’ to match the wage.

“As far as Ounahi is concerned , Leeds have formulated a higher offer,” Italian transfer journalist Ciro Venerato told RAI (via Area Napoli).

“But the blue club hope that the player will not accept despite the offer of €2.5m. Everything is very open, but the Neapolitan club seem to be a bit pessimistic at the moment.”

Leeds United have reported interest in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke this month after Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have ‘declared’ their own interest.

The 20-year-old is a product of the Spurs academy, and landed in the Eredivisie after leaving White Hart Lane in 2018. He’s impressed under manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy this season and could be on a move back to England.

It’s believed that Crystal Palace, West Ham, Leicester, Newcastle United and Everton have all voiced their own interest in signing him but that the London giants lead the race.

It is becoming increasingly unlikely, however, that the interest in the 20-year-old will last much longer with the Whites being on the verge of signing Hoffenheim striker Georginio Rutter.