‘It’s not ideal’: Manager of £15m Elland Road target refuses to rule out exit as Leeds step up interest

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Swansea City manager Michael Duff has refused to rule out an exit for Leeds United target Joel Piroe.

Duff was speaking to Wales Online in his pre-match press conference ahead of Swansea’s trip to Preston North End.

As per Phil Hay, Leeds stepped up their interest in Piroe earlier this week and are keen to strike a deal for a fee in the region of between £8 and £10 million.

The Whites are also set to face competition from Southampton for the signature of the 24-year-old and according to Team Talk, will submit an opening offer today.

It is said that Piroe is expected to depart South Wales before the end of the window as he has just 12 months left remaining on his deal and has not accepted the offer of a new one.

Duff refuses to rule out exit for Leeds target Piroe

Piroe has started all four of Swansea’s games in all competitions and it had looked as though he would be staying until Leeds‘ interest re-emerged earlier this week.

Swansea manager Duff says he is in the dark over a potential transfer for Piroe, but at the same time, has refused to rule out a potential exit.

He said: “I don’t know if they’ve tabled a bid or not. I’m the same as everyone else. Things will happen quickly at this stage of the window now, because they have to.

“If the board and Paul (Watson) make that decision, we’ll react to it. So as far as I’m aware, it’s a no at the minute. But I don’t know if anything’s happened or anything’s happening. Obvious it’s first thing on Thursday, so I’ve not met any of the players or anything like that yet.

“There’s a week left. There’s one game left between now and when the window shuts. So one way or the other there’s going to be clarity anyway. It’s not ideal that it’s rumbling on this long, no. But I’m not in control of that part of it.”

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Piroe in the starting line-up for Swansea on Saturday with this feeling like a deal that could go to the wire.

According to the Mail, Swansea value Piroe at around £15 million, which is £5 million more than what Leeds are said to be keen on paying.

However, Leeds are going to have to be quick with Southampton also sniffing around and ready to make an offer.