Leeds United attempted to sign Jerry Mbakogu but have put a deal on hold.
The sporting director of Serie B side Carpi has confirmed Leeds United made an approach for striker Jerry Mbakogu and praised the club’s conduct.
Scala praised the striker, describing him as an ‘extraordinary player’, and confirmed that Leeds have secured a first option agreement on gentleman’s terms when it comes to summer negotiations.
He said: “The English club behaved correctly, they came to see the player and they asked us the priority for a negotiation in June, when Jerry has in the meantime completed the process for the passport.
“[They will be] first to sit at the table with us according to a gentleman agreement that we have achieved.”
Scala added that the club do not wish to stand in the way of the Nigerian striker progressing his career.
“Mbakogu gave us and gives us so much, he is an extraordinary player who has often sacrificed his way to play for the team’s cause. If he has the opportunity to grow we will give him a hand.”
Leeds scouted Mbakogu first hand last weekend before holding initial talks with Carpi.
The striker has scored seven goals this season and a potential price tag in the summer will depend on how he finishes the season.
Leeds will be without Pierre-Michel Lasogga from June when his loan deal expires and Mbakogu is a potential replacement.
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