Leeds United have just 10 days to get the four signings Daniel Farke wants and it now appears an outcome is drawing closer for target Jonathan Rowe.
The Whites are said to have identified Rowe as a top target earlier this month following the sale of the Championship’s 2023/24 player of the season Crysencio Summerville to West Ham.
An initial enquiry of £7 million was lodged to Norwich City, though that was laughed off by the Canaries, allowing Ligue 1 sides Marseille and AS Monaco to jump into the race.
Leeds have not actually made a formal bid since their initial phone call, with it clear Norwich’s valuation is higher than what they were keen to pay for the England U21 international.
In that time, Marseille have seen two offers knocked back and so the onus has been on Leeds to make their move, if indeed they really are determined to sign Rowe.
Likely winner revealed in Leeds and Marseille Rowe race
It’s now almost three weeks since a deal was agreed between Leeds and West Ham for Summerville, and so it is frustrating how little progress there has been on a winger.
Leeds had relayed the message signings were ready to go in the event he departed, but it is clear that was not the case.
Rowe would be the perfect signing to replace a player of Summerville’s calibre and it now appears there is a likely winner in the race to land his signature, as per John Percy of the Daily Telegraph.
Unfortunately, as Leeds fans should be well used to after this window, it is looking increasingly unlikely he will be moving to Elland Road.
Instead, Marseille are said to have submitted a third offer in the structure of a loan, with an obligation-to-buy next summer, believed to be in the region of £13.5 million.
Though a deal is not officially agreed, there is now an ‘expectation’ between the two clubs that it will get done before the deadline.
Leeds window is becoming an embarrassment
This is quickly turning into one of the worst windows in a long time at Leeds considering the players who have gone out, and the complete inability to replace them.
Rowe was identified as a target a number of weeks ago now and yet even with the funds coming in, they haven’t even submitted an official offer.
Leeds have generated the most amount of cash through player sales across the whole of Europe this summer and there is seemingly a clear reluctance to use it.
If the 49ers do not get these next 10 days right, it might not be long until supporters make their feelings clear on the terraces.
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