David Ornstein: Leeds have tabled £8.6m Joseph Paintsil bid, player has told Genk he wants move

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David Ornstein has reported on The Athletic’s website that Leeds United have tabled an £8.6m offer to sign Genk winger Joseph Paintsil – and the player has told his current club that he wants to join Leeds.

Paintsil, 25, has thrown himself onto the radar of a number of clubs like Leeds and Southampton, after the Ghana ace had a hand in 32 goals last season. The winger scored a huge 14 himself, creating 18.

Reports emerges on Friday morning that actually, Southampton had tried to sign Paintsil by offering the Belgian side Paul Onuachu in return. A player that bought from Genk in the January transfer window.

But talks have broken down, and Leeds have swooped. Dean Jones said Leeds were close to landing Paintsil alongside Joel Piroe – who has now signed – and Nadiem Amiri, who is closing in on a move.

Ornstein: Leeds table £8.6m Paintsil offer and he wants move

Now, Ornstein – widely regarded as one of the best transfer journalists in English football – says Leeds have made a bid worth £8.6m. He claims Paintsil has told Genk that he wants to join Leeds this month.

Ornstein also reports that a move will include a sell-on clause, allowing Genk to recuperate some cash when Leeds eventually sell him on. Something, we have not done this summer. Time is of the essence.

What is interesting, is that Leeds have five wingers already, with Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra still at the club and available on Saturday. Ian Poveda, Dan James and Crysencio Summerville are also options.

You would expect that if Paintsil is going to join, he will expect to be first choice. Maybe, Sinisterra and Poveda will be options in the no.10 role – but we are also signing Amiri. Maybe, one or two could leave.