A recent report in Calciomercato.it claimed that talks between Udinese and Leeds over the transfer of the the 26-year-old – who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger – have stalled.
The report claimed that the Premier League club are not willing to meet Udinese’s demands of €30-€35 million (£27.50-£32.08 million) as transfer fee for the Argentina international.
Udinese director Marino has praised the former Valencia man, and he has suggested that the attacker could stay at the club beyond the summer transfer window.
Marino told Il Gazzetino: “As far as De Paul is concerned, the player is in love with Udine and Udinese. So if the opportunity of life does not arrive and also the right valuation for the club, I wouldn’t be surprised if De Paul stayed.
“I see him very stimulated in training; he drives the group; he is a fantastic player, an intelligent person, an example for everyone.
“As far as the valuation is concerned, we read the prices in the newspapers, so it’s better to keep everyone calm.”
Leeds United need another attacking player
True, Leeds have signed Rodrigo from Valencia this summer, but the Spain international operates as a striker or as a winger.
The Whites need a more central attacking midfielder who can support Pablo Hernandez, and De Paul does fit the bill.
According to WhoScored, De Paul scored seven goals and provided six assists in Serie A last season, while during the 2018-19 campaign, the Argentina international scored nine goals and provided eight assists in the league.
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