Leeds United are still hoping to sign £17 million Ligue 1 ace Moses Simon, according to But Football, after missing out on the Nigeria international during the January transfer window.
It’s not easy for a player to stand out from the crowd when he’s sharing a dressing room with Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Villarreal whizzkid Samuel Chukwueze.
But, at this year’s African Cup of Nations, Simon did exactly that and more.
One of the pre-tournament favourites might have suffered a disappointing round-of-16 exit – knocked out by Tunisia – but no one could accuse Simon of failing to step up to the plate. The former Levante winger was a constant thorn in the side of opposition defenders at AFCON; all speed and skill, dynamic and direct.
Four attributes Marcelo Bielsa, in particular, demands from his wide players.
“Yes, it is true. My agent told me about some offers (in January),” Simon admitted a fortnight ago. “Leeds United came calling with strong offer. And (it was my) intention of sealing the deal immediately.”
Will Leeds beat Newcastle United to Moses Simon?
With Nantes pushing for a place in Europe next season, Leeds’ approach was batted away. But Football add that Bielsa was even willing to let Simon stay at Nantes until the end of the campaign. But The Canaries were not for budging.
That will not stop the Yorkshire giants from returning to the tble at the end of the season, however. A potential £17 million deal is still very much in Leeds’ sights.
“My club want me to finish the season with FC Nantes,” Simon added. “And I really want to contribute to ensure we secure a Europa League ticket at the end of the season. We are pushing hard for that.
“Already, we are in the quarter-finals of French cup. And, presently, we are among the top ten teams in the league table. Hopefully, the Europa League will not be a bad achievement.”
Simon, who marked his return to club football with a fine free-kick winner against Reims last weekend, is also reportedly a target for Newcastle United. The Magpies are reportedly set to offer Simon £100,000-a-week – a package that Leeds would struggle to match.
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