Jonathan Rowe has been strongly linked with a move to Leeds United over the last week or so, but The Whites were rocked in their efforts to lure him to Elland Road when Marseille tabled an offer.
The details of the offer from Roberto De Zerbi’s new side are not yet known, but it is fair to think that with Marseille looking to lure him to France, any chance Leeds had of signing the England U21 ace is over.
Reports emerged last week that Leeds were set to table an initial £7m offer for Norwich academy Rowe, as a replacement for Crysencio Summerville. Rowe can play in many midfield and attacking positions.
But a £7m fee was said to be below what Norwich were after. Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds wanted to do a deal for less than £10m, and that The Canaries were ready to cash in on Rowe.
State of play as Leeds United remain in the hunt to sign Rowe
But with Marseille emerging as a suitor for Rowe, it was unclear where Leeds stood in regards to doing a deal with last season’s Championship play-off semi-final opponents. Now, an update on Rowe’s future.
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath says Leeds are ‘still in contention’ for the signing of Rowe, despite a bid from Marseille going in on Friday night. McGrath reports Rowe held talks with Norwich over the offer.
A decision was made, not by Rowe, to pull him out of Norwich’s squad for the 2-0 loss to Oxford United. McGrath also states that other sides aside from Leeds and Marseille are in the mix to sign the player.
He wrote on X: “Jonathan Rowe situation at Norwich City. Bid from Marseille went in Friday evening – not accepted but considering another offer.
“Player not included in squad after discussions with club (did not withdraw himself) at the weekend. Leeds United and other clubs are still in contention.”
What Jonathan Rowe said about Elland Road prior to Leeds links
Despite still being a rather young player and in the early stages of what promises to be an exciting career, Rowe has already faced Leeds on five occasions. One in the Premier League, four during the 23-24 term.
The one in the Premier League came when Joe Gelhardt tapped home a Raphinha cut-back to beat The Canaries 2-1 under Jesse Marsch. Rowe himself hit the bar for Norwich moments after Gelhardt’s goal.
Last season, Leeds beat Norwich three times as well as drawing 0-0 and Rowe is a big fan of Elland Road. He said: “Elland Road had the most noise I can remember. I was just in awe of the atmosphere.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
