Lazio have already rejected Leeds United’s offer for Luiz Felipe, just hours after it was made, according to La Lazio Siamo Noi.
It was reported by the same publication earlier on Thursday that Leeds had bid €30 million (around £26.9m) for the Brazilian centre-back.
But it now claims the proposal was not enough for the Italian side, whose president Claudio Lotito wants €40m (around £35.8m) to part with Luiz Felipe.
La Lazio Siamo Noi does however add that Lotito could lower his demands to €38m (around £34m) – although he ‘does not intend to make excessive discounts’.
It states the Italian entrepreneur’s stance is based on Hellas Verona’s €30m valuation of Marash Kumbulla, a central defender with only a year’s experience in Serie A – two fewer than Luiz Felipe.
By turning down Leeds’ offer, it is said that Lotito hopes to ‘start an auction’ involving interested parties Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as, potentially, other English clubs.
Leeds have been forced to turn to alternative options at the heart of their defence, with their former loan star Ben White expected to remain at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Luiz Felipe, who has two years left on his contract in Rome, has yet to be capped by Brazil but does hold an Italian passport.
Leeds fans – by how much should the Whites’ increase their bid, if at all?
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