AC Milan have made the first move for Leeds United target Rodrigo De Paul, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting the Serie A giants have submitted a £20 million player-plus-cash bid.
For Udinese fans, life without their inspirational Argentine doesn’t bear thinking about.
De Paul is the gleaming diamond in a squad full of cubic zirconia, the stand-out star and inspirational presence on and off the pitch. In 34 games this season, the former Valencia youngster has eight goals and ten assists.
Unfortunately for Udinese, however, the prospects of De Paul spending one more year at the Stadio Friuli appear slim.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are back in the race for a player who has made his feelings about a move to Elland Road very clear, as reported by The Sun in February.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, meanwhile, have identified De Paul as a youthful addition to a tired-looking midfield (TuttoUdinese).
But while Leeds or Liverpool have yet to turn initial interest into something more serious, AC Milan have leapt to the front of the queue.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Stefano Pioli’s Rossoneri have offered a cash sum of £20 million while offering quick-silver winger Jens Petter Hauge to Udinese as part of the deal. Interestingly, Udinese coach Luca Gotti is a big fan of the little Norwegian, having tried to sign Hauge on loan in the past.
The ball, then, is in Leeds’ court – and Liverpool’s for that matter.
If they are both serious about luring De Paul to England, they will have to better Milan’s bid.
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