Leeds United may now pull the plug on £8.5m transfer of 25-year-old who wants to join

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Leeds United are now mulling pulling the plug on a deal to sign Joseph Paintsil of KRC Genk as the Belgian Pro League team ‘moved the goalposts’ for his last-ditch transfer.

That is according to Sky Sports, which reports that Leeds are weighing up withdrawing their offer to sign Paintsil. Elland Road chiefs believe they have made a fair bid for the 25-year-old to switch to the Championship. But Genk have changed their valuation at the final moment.

Genk have frustrated Leeds by changing the conditions required for Paintsil’s transfer at the death. So, the Whites could just pull the plug on their interest in the nine-cap Ghana winger. Even though Paintsil wants to join Leeds after five years at Genk, including one out on loan.

Leeds United mull pulling the plug on Joseph Paintsil’s transfer

Paintsil joined Genk from the Ghanaian team Tema Youth SC in 2018 and has registered 143 appearances. The Accra-born ace has also offered the Cegeka Arena natives 32 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. He scored 18 and created 14 goals in 39 games last term.

Leeds now want Paintsil to help manager Daniel Farke secure the club’s immediate return to the Premier League. But Genk have ‘moved the goalposts’ after seeing the winger score one and assist two goals already this season. He has appeared in eight fixtures and started in six.

Joseph Paintsil has told Genk he wants to move to Elland Road

Genk’s sudden change of stance could frustrate Paintsil, who The Athletic notes has told the Blauw-Wit that he wants to seal a transfer to Leeds. The winger has also rejected a move to Southampton in exchange for Paul Onuachu. Genk and the Saints had agreed on the terms.

The Athletic further notes that Leeds have offered Genk €10m (£8.5m) for Paintsil’s transfer. Elland Road chiefs also included a sell-on clause for the Pro League team in the terms of the bid. But while the Whites believe the offer was fair, the Blauw-Wit are yet to take their deal.

Leeds’ issue, according to Sacha Tavolieri, is that their offer only included a guaranteed €8m (£7m) plus add-ons. Genk would accept €10m (£8.5m) for Paintsil’s transfer if the offer was fully guaranteed. The Whites are now considering the Blauw-Wit’s counter-bid at that price.