Athletic: Milan and Juventus have edge over Leeds in race for €40m playmaker – the reason

Leeds United could miss out on the signing of Udinese playmaker and reported Milan target Rodrigo De Paul as a sale to an Italian club appears more likely.

Calciomercato.com recently reported that Zenit have reached out to discuss a potential move for the €35m-rated creative midfielder after Leeds made an attempt to sign him over the past couple of weeks.

However, they added that the 26-year-old – who is also apparently wanted by both Milan clubs – has made it his mission to join one of the top sides in Serie A, with Juventus currently his preferred destination.

Fantacalcio are another source that have claimed Juventus, Inter and Milan are keen as well as Fiorentina, and while De Paul dropped a big hint on social media that he is interested in joining Leeds, it appears Udinese will make life difficult for the Yorkshire club.

The Athletic’s James Horncastle – writing on their app – claims that Udinese will demand €35-40m for the Argentine, while Serie A clubs have an advantage due to the fact they can offer players in an exchange deal to lower the price.