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Report: Leeds discard pursuit of Newcastle, West Ham and Guardiola target, barring late changes in direction

Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images
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Leeds United’s capture of the Spanish centre-back Diego Llorente will see the Whites ‘discard’ their pursuit of a Newcastle United, West Ham United and Manchester City target, according to Calciomercato.

It had been claimed that Leeds, Newcastle, West Ham and City could move for the Juventus centre-back, Daniele Rugani, ahead of next month’s transfer deadline.

But the Italian website states that, after Llorente’s arrival, the Whites believe they have concluded their search for central defenders, ‘barring any changes in direction in the next two weeks’.

That could leave Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City in the running for Rugani, whom Juventus intend to move out, according to Calciomercato.

The 26-year-old joined the Italian champions from Empoli five years ago and but has spent much of that time on the bench, averaging just over 20 outings per season.

Photo by Giorgio Perottino – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

Rugani, who has been capped seven times by Italy, may find himself in a similar boat at Manchester City, could fare better at a lower-table club such as Newcastle or West Ham.

As well as Llorente, Leeds have also signed the German centre-back Robin Koch this summer.

Leeds fans – where else do the Whites need to strengthen?