Leeds United target Joseph Paintsil has rejected a move to Southampton.
That is according to the Athletic, who report the Saints were looking to complete a swap deal that also involved striker Paul Onuachu going the other way.
However, it is said that both players have rejected the move and as such, Paintsil will not be making the move to St. Mary’s before the end of the window.
This could be a boost to Leeds’ chances of signing Paintsil, with Sky Sports reporting earlier this week that he is a player the Whites are looking at before the end of the window.
Transfer expert Dean Jones then went one step further on Thursday evening, stating that Paintsil is close to a move to Elland Road and could follow both Joel Piroe and Nadiem Amiri.
Paintsil rejects Southampton move amid Leeds interest
As per the report from the Athletic, Genk value Paintsil at £8.5 million and given they were willing to do a swap deal for Onuachu, are clearly ready to do business.
Given he rejected Southampton, though, it remains to be seen whether he would be open to a move to Leeds with clubs from across Europe chasing his signature.
Paintsil would represent a significant coup for Leeds if they were to get it done after netting 14 goals and providing 14 assists in the Belgian league last season.
However, with the 25-year-old primarily a winger, you would expect at least one of Luis Sinisterra, Wilfried Gnonto or Crysencio Summerville to depart.
It certainly feels like one to keep an eye on with just a week of the window remaining.
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