It’s been a bad couple of days for Leeds United in the transfer window and Newcastle United could make it a whole lot worse, if they choose to elbow Adam Underwood’s transfer team aside.
On Monday, it emerged that Marseille had actually met Feyenoord’s asking price of more than £30m for Igor Paixao. Many at Leeds thought Paixao would be on his way to Yorkshire, but Marseille won the race.
It has since transpired that Leeds even received confirmation that £30.2m would be accepted by the Dutch club via email, during the 3-2 win over Paderborn on the weekend, according to Graham Smyth.
Losing out to Marseille in the race to land Paixao is a blow, especially as Leeds felt they had secured his signing and were close to adding some real game-changing quality. Now, it could get even worse.
Newcastle now eyeing move for Leeds United’s transfer priority
For the entirety of the summer, Leeds have made it clear that they are in the market for a starting striker, one to come in above Lukas Nmecha despite the Germany international’s two goals during pre-season.
Plenty of strikers have been linked, the likes of Tammy Abraham, Nikola Krstovic and even Callum Wilson. This week, Artem Dovbyk is being touted as a £30m option. But Rodrigo Muniz is the priority for Leeds.
A £50m target for The Whites this summer, it is believed there is a confidence at Leeds of getting the big Fulham striker even if they want what would be a club-record fee. Now, The Mail deliver some bad news.
With Alexander Isak requesting to explore his future this summer, Newcastle need a replacement and it is claimed that Eddie Howe’s men are interested in doing a deal for Muniz ahead of Daniel Farke’s Leeds.
Where is Newcastle’s potential move for Rodrigo Muniz at…
According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have spoken through intermediaries about a move to sign Muniz and there is a confidence of doing a deal for £40m. A bit lower than Leeds had been quoted.
Of course, like Paixao, Muniz’s choice will be obvious if he is presented with Leeds or a side boasting the lure of Champions League football. Newcastle have qualified for the latter, making them big favourites.
Newcastle’s interest completely depends on whether Isak leaves Tyneside but as things stand, that looks more and more likely with Liverpool very interested in signing the Sweden international this summer.
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