Leeds United were believed to be close to securing the signing of Standard Liege ace Nicolas Raskin – but the situation seems a little strange.
On Sunday, The Mirror (16/01, p73) reported that Leeds were not only chasing Raskin but had agreed a fee.
Leeds were allegedly paying £6million to sign Raskin, with the deal allegedly going through this week.
That’s where things start to get a little confusing.
Belgian journalist Kevin Sauvage claims that there aren’t even talks between Standard Liege and Leeds, never mind a deal done.
The Yorkshire Evening Post even suggest that Leeds aren’t even considering Raskin as a top target this month.
Leeds absolutely need to find a new midfielder this month, but after it sounded like Raskin was Elland Road-bound, it now seems he won’t be joining.
Additionally, Raskin started for Standard Liege against Anderlecht on Sunday – hardly the actions of a club preparing for a sale.
It looks like Raskin is just another name linked with Leeds rather than an imminent signing, but the midfielder seemingly fancies moving anyway.
Raskin has spoken to Voetbal Primeur about his future, given that he is out of contract in less than 18 months.
Raskin has admitted that he thinks a move away from Standard may be best for him moving forward, admitting that signing a new contract just wasn’t right for him.
The talented young midfielder added that he doesn’t want to leave Standard for nothing, essentially calling on his club to sell him – even if it isn’t to Leeds after all.
“The contract was on the table at the end of last season, but it was not the right time,” said Raskin. “In the current circumstances, I wonder if a summer departure would not be best.”
“I still have a year contract and I don’t want to leave for free. I want Standard to earn something from me. I owe a lot to this club,” he added.
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