Leeds United are scouring the market for a big-name addition on the left flank after a deal to sign Igor Paixao came to an abrupt end. One option has been left at home from his side’s pre-season tour.
Leeds were quietly confident over a deal for Paixao, largely because they believed Marseille would not be able to go as financially big as them. But on Monday, reports emerged that Marseille had agreed a price.
Finally, Marseille agreed to a deal that was worth £30m for Paixao. The winger was open to joining Leeds if a deal with Marseille was not reached, but he preferred Marseille and playing in the Champions League.
Leeds then, are left to find a new option and one of those is currently contracted to Fiorentina in Serie A. On Tuesday, it has emerged that Leeds are battling a number of Italian clubs to sign Riccardo Sottil.
Why Riccardo Sottil has been left off of Fiorentina’s summer tour
Fiorentina have flown to England and will be based at St. George’s Park in Burton, before playing three friendlies against Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Man United in the space of six days in August.
But Sottil, who is back at Fiorentina after a loan with Milan, has not travelled. According to a report from CalcioMercato, it is not because of the quality he brings on the pitch, but because of Sottil’s behaviour.
But it is his ‘approach during training’ and ‘sparking a brawl’ during a 3-0 friendly win over Grossetto. With his future in doubt, Fiorentina have made him available to leave, and left him off their summer tour.
How much Leeds United would have to pay for Sottil…
A product of Fiorentina’s youth academy, Sottil went on loan to Milan in January. A player that many feel has huge talent, but is yet to show it on a consistent basis and needs the right home in order to do so.
Joining Milan in January, the Serie A giants paid an initial fee of just under £1m while agreeing a possible permanent deal in the region of £9m. Sottil has two years left on his contract with the Serie A outfit.
Whether Leeds feel like he is the man who could come in instead of Paixao, remains to be seen. But there is every chance that Leeds may feel they need two attacking additions and certainly, Sottil could be one.
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