Deadline day always seems to spring a surprise when it comes to Leeds United and according to reports from Spain, that may be no different ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Leeds are yet to make any signings despite strong interest in Southampton’s Cameron Archer. Teammate Adam Armstrong has also been linked with Leeds, but Graham Smyth has rubbished an Armstrong bid.
The Whites want a striker having let Joe Gelhardt join Hull City on loan, while Patrick Bamford remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. But reports from Spain now say Leeds could lose another striker.
Leeds United receive bid from Real Betis for striker Mateo Joseph
Fresh from ending a three-month goal drought during Saturday’s 7-0 win over Cardiff City, Joseph is now the subject of a shock move from Real Betis. A side that currently boast Diego Llorente and Marc Roca.
Spanish outlet El Desmarque say Betis have tabled an offer of around £8m to land the Spain U21 striker. It is believed that Joseph is keen on a return to Spanish football and would entertain a late Betis transfer.
Joseph is not Betis’ first choice, however. Indeed, Betis want to sign Cucho Hernandez from MLS outfit Columbus Crew after he had a hand in 30 goals last season but the offer has been made to sign Joseph.
How Leeds United have responded to bid from Real Betis
The report also says Leeds have given their response to Betis, amid the ‘excellent’ relationship between the two sides given the transfers of Roca and Llorente last summer, Roca turning his loan permanent.
Indeed, Leeds have rejected Betis’ initial bid but there is an inclination that if Betis fail in their bid to land Hernandez, then they could return with an improved offer for Joseph. It could depend on Leeds’ activity.
The report from Spain says Leeds are on the verge of signing a striker from Southampton and that could sway things. However, it does not name which striker – whether it be Archer or Armstrong joining Leeds.
As things stand, Joseph is going nowhere but with more than four hours left to go in the transfer window, there is still plenty that can happen. Betis could reignite a move for Joseph in the coming hours.
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