Leeds United have made a €22m bid for Dinamo Zagreb youngster Joško Gvardiol but are fighting RB Leipzig for his signature.
That’s what Sportske report today, providing the latest update in Marcelo Bielsa’s hunt for the young centre back.
Four days ago we covered a report from Sportske that stated Gvardiol could sign for Leeds ‘very soon’ after they submitted a €20m bid for him. That same report indicated that Leipzig were also keen and fighting Leeds for his signature.
This was followed up by Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio today, who stated that Bielsa’s side could make their move soon and were in pole position after Leipzig backed off.
He also stated that Leeds had formulated an offer worth €22m plus 20% of a future sale and Sportske back that up with their report.
They also claim that Leeds have offered that deal, with the bid arriving last night after ‘emissaries’ had been in Zagreb a few days ago.
However, they differ from Di Marzio and claim that Leipzig are very much still in the race at this moment in time.
The newspaper explains that ‘right at the start’ Leeds bid for the defender was stronger than the Germans with them offering €20m compared to €16m.
Leipzig were willing to beat them when it came to bonuses, but the €4-5m difference meant Leeds were very much leading the race.
Indeed ‘it would have been expected’ that he was on his way to Elland Road except things are not that simple in the modern-day transfer window.
You see, while Leeds are offering more money, Leipzig’s offer is better from a sporting sense for both Dinamo and the player.
That’s because they are willing to let him stay at the Croatian club for the time being to mature, while Leeds want him straight away. That suits the player, who is in no rush to move abroad as he feels he will progress best at home.
Leipzig can also offer him ‘guaranteed Champions League and Bundesliga status’ while Leeds cannot guarantee they won’t be relegated this season.
Thus, he’s thinking over his options carefully; does he accept the better financial offer or the one that’s better for his long-term development? Sportske say ‘everything is open’ on that front.
Leeds ‘seriously threw down the gauntlet’ with their offer, but the player needs convincing. Perhaps it’s time to get Bielsa on the phone.
