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Leeds United were one of the clubs to show interest in José Campaña in the summer transfer window. 

Two days ago, Mundo Deportivo reported the midfielder had ‘sparked interest’ from the Premier League side and Atlético Madrid. 

It was also explained the Whites made an offer around of €15m plus additional bonuses, but it was ‘rejected’ by Quico Catalán, the president of the La Liga side. 

The newly capped Spain international has a €60m release clause in his contract, yet Mundo stated the Spanish club’s chief was ready to let the player leave, if there was an offer of €30m. 

Catalán has given an interview to Super Deporte and when asked if Campaña costs €30m or €60m, he said: “He costs what someone offers and the club is willing to accept.” 

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“His clause is €60m and the commitment to him is to negotiate for lower [fee], but his value is very high at the moment.

“It is a commitment to understand both parties, just as he has understood that this was not the right time. The market that comes from Levante will also have to understand that if someone comes with a value lower than the clause, their exit must be studied.”

The Levante president stressed his side have not received any concrete offers for the 27-year-old in the last transfer window.

“What I call a firm offer did not [arrive]. It has not been the best summer. On one hand I am happy because we have a great asset. On the other hand, I know about Jose’s wish. But I am calm because his commitment is maximum,” Catalán explained. 

“People are not aware of how grateful they are towards this club. If it was not for the Covid-19, real offers of large amounts would have arrived and no other operations would have been carried out that would have covered it.

“His moment will come in the next few months, within a year, it is a reality. Hopefully the best club will arrive so he makes the important leap in quality.”

The local newspaper further quizzed specifically about the Premier League side and asked if apart from Leeds United, whether he has received any calls from other clubs for Campaña. 

Responding to that, Catalán said: “A club has been able to test his agent, but beyond that, no. It has been a complicated market even in the existence of offers.

“We have tried to be imaginative and pull financial engineering. There was a moment in August when we talked to the clubs and we were blocked.”