Stuttgart playmaker Alexandru Maxim has reportedly ruled out a move to Leeds United.
According to German newspaper Bild, Stuttgart playmaker Alexandru Maxim has ruled out a move to Leeds United this month, as he only wants to join a team in a top league in Europe.
Maxim, 26, has largely been an important player for Stuttgart since his January 2013 move from Pandurii Targa Jiu, but this season has been much tougher for the Romanian international, despite Stuttgart’s relegation from the Bundesliga.
VfB Stuttgart’s Alexandru Maxim in action with Manchester City’s Jesus Navas
The playmaker has started just eight league games this season, but has notched two goals and five assists, meaning he’s been productive even in his limited playing time.
Recent speculation has suggested that Maxim could leave Stuttgart this month, and his agent even told Stuttgarter Nachrichten that Leeds United were interested in signing Maxim.
General view inside Elland Road
Maxim appears to be a long-term target for Leeds boss Garry Monk, as BBC Sport reported in the summer of 2015 that Swansea City – then managed by Monk – were aiming to bring Maxim to South Wales.
Monk’s assistant Pep Clotet managed Maxim at Espanyol B in 2009, meaning it’s no surprise that Leeds – keen to add new faces to their squad this month to aid their promotion hopes – are pursuing Maxim.
However, Bild report that Maxim has ruled out a move to Elland Road this month, as he only wants to sign for a team playing in a top league, with the Championship out of the question for him despite Leeds’ success this term.
Maxim has also ruled out a move to Mexican side America, and Leeds will seemingly have to turn their attentions elsewhere if they want to sign another attack-minded midfielder before next week’s transfer deadline.
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