French newspaper L’Equipe claim Leeds United are set to complete the signing of on-loan Lyon winger Tete from Shakhtar Donetsk in a shock move – with the Whites already bringing in Georginio Rutter for a club-record fee.
Leeds have been locked in talks to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Leeds have ‘bridged the gap’ in talks between the two clubs. An offer of £26.3m plus add-ons.
But, in a shocking twist, it does not appear McKennie will be the only signing Leeds make before Tuesday’s deadline. That is because newspaper L’Equipe report that the Whites are closing in on a move for Lyon ace Tete.
A shock move, given it has come out of absolutely nowhere. Tete has been impressing on loan at Lyon, having joined the French side on loan from Shakhtar at the end of March. Players were allowed to leave the Ukraine side.
He has since had a hand in 18 goals in 30 games for Lyon. Tete is contracted at Lyon until the summer, but if a Premier League club came calling this month, he would be allowed to go. Now, Leeds are said to be close to a deal.
Leeds set to complete signing of on-loan Lyon winger Tete
L’Equipe go as far as saying that Tete’s loan will be cancelled and Tete is on his way to Elland Road. The French side have the option to make the deal permanent at £17.5m – but it is unclear how much Leeds will be paying Shakhtar.
But given the focus has been on McKennie as potentially the only other signing Leeds will make this month – the news regarding Tete comes as a massive surprise, out of nowhere. Leeds have already signed Rutter in January.
Cree Summerville, Jack Harrison and Willy Gnonto are also options – while Luis Sinisterra is back from injury. So, it might be that Leeds see Rutter as a striker only – and one of the above options is allowed to leave the club.
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