Report: Leeds offer target £70k-a-week contract; he’s increasingly keen on Whites move

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Leeds United have offered Rodrigo de Paul a £70,000-a-week contract, with the Udinese star getting used to the idea of joining a Premier League newcomer, according to Italian publication Messaggero.

It is almost two weeks since Marcelo Bielsa’s side agreed a £31 million fee for a man who outshone Argentine teammates Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala and even Lionel Messi at the 2019 Copa America (FantaCalcio).

But, if Leeds fans were growing a little concerned by the sluggish pace of negotiations, it seems that things are about to accelerate – and fast.

While the Yorkshire giants have been transformed from Championship also-rans into a top-flight club capable of striking fear into the hearts of Liverpool by their enigmatic, bucket-perching tactician, it is a long time since the Champions League anthem rang out at Elland Road.

According to Messaggero, De Paul was initially prioritising a club that would allow him to showcase his driving runs and fearsome shooting ability on the biggest stage of all.

But Serie A champions Juventus are yet to turn their interest into something more tangible, and that has left the door wide open for Leeds to sign a man who many view as the future of Argentina’s midfield.

The report adds that Leeds will make De Paul one of their highest earners with a £70,000-a-week deal on the table.

What’s more, the 26-year-old would replace Spain star Rodrigo Moreno to become the biggest signing in the club’s history.

In a now-deleted and instantly-infamous tweet, De Paul responded to Yorkshire-based fanzine The Square Ball after they enquired about whether the 26-year-old wanted to become the latest marquee addition to an ambitious Leeds side.

His answer; a simple and emphatic ‘yes’.