Why Leeds United have advantage over Serie A champions Napoli in head-to-head battle

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Leeds United and Napoli look set to do battle in the transfer market for a £19m-rated player, but it may come as a surprise that Leeds hold an advantage in the tug-of-war.

Last season, Antonio Conte reminded all why he is one of Europe’s best managers by guiding Napoli to the Serie A title ahead of Champions League finalists Inter Milan. His work in the window was excellent.

Many questioned Conte’s decision to replace Victor Osimhen with Romelu Lukaku, but it worked. The big Belgian combined to perfection with another signing, Scott McTominay, to win the Serie A trophy.

Conte’s work in the transfer market last summer proved to be exceptional and now, he wants to sign the big Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, but the Serie A winners face competition from Leeds.

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Leeds boast an advantage over Napoli in Milinkovic-Savic race

It seems unlikely, but Leeds seem to be in pole position ahead of Napoli. That is even after Napoli had agreed personal terms in June, only for a move to fall through due to Napoli’s goalkeeping situation.

On Sunday night, Italian media said Leeds had opened talks for the 28-year-old goalkeeper. Gianluca Di Marzio says that Milinkovic-Savic has a £19m release clause for overseas clubs, £16.4m for Italian sides.

Well, a new report from Italian site Napolita says that Napoli are unwilling to meet Milinkovic-Savic’s asking price – even if it is £2.6m less than the fee Leeds would have to pay to activate the Serb’s exit.

Where would £19m deal rank in Leeds’ most-expensive signings

It is unclear if Leeds are willing to pay the £19m fee required for foreign clubs to sign Milinkovic-Savic, but Torino would surely prefer their goalkeeper to leave Serie A and avoid playing against Torino.

In terms of where a £19m deal would rank in the club’s most-expensive signings, Milinkovic-Savic would be right in among the top 10. Indeed, it would see him sit as Leeds’ seventh-biggest ever addition.

Right in behind USA skipper Tyler Adams who cost Leeds a fee of £20m in the summer of 2022. The giant goalkeeper would go ahead of Rio Ferdinand, Jean-Kevin Augustin and Diego Llorente, all costing £18m.