The Leeds United-linked attacking midfielder, Rodrigo de Paul, sat out his second successive Udinese fixture on Thursday.
The Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Sunday that Leeds are ‘trying seriously’ to sign De Paul.
Di Marzio added that the Whites hierarchy had met with Gino Pozzo, the Udinese owner, to ‘find the final agreement to close the deal’.
Meanwhile, preparations are already underway for the start of Udinese’s latest Serie A campaign, which begins in two-and-a-half-weeks’ time.
The Bianconeri played their opening pre-season friendly against Vicenza on Saturday and followed that up with another against Legnago earlier this evening.
But as was the case last time out, De Paul was nowhere to be seen at the Stadio Comunale Manzano.
Several of Udinese’s other key men did, however, feature, with Rodrigo Becao, Sebastien de Maio, Stefano Okaka and Walace among those who appeared in both games.
And while international fixtures are scheduled for this coming weekend, De Paul’s Argentina are not in action again until October.
His whereabouts, therefore, remain a mystery.
Leeds, though, are not the only club being credited with an interest in De Paul.
And Marcelo Bielsa’s side could face hefty competition from several Italian clubs for the 26-year-old’s signature, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
The Italian website claims Fiorentina and AC Milan are also keen, while Napoli have made contact in the last few days to try and win the race.
It adds that De Paul’s agent is expected in Italy shortly to meet with Udinese and decide what the future holds for his client.
Leeds fans, no doubt, will be watching with bated breath.
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