Fortuna Düsseldorf’s Ao Tanaka is not expected to join Leeds United, according to today’s Rheinische Post.
Three days ago, Bild reported the Whites had tabled their first offer to sign the midfielder.
Rheinische Post contacted Fortuna Düsseldorf sporting director Christian Weber to ask about the reported offer from Leeds, and he responded by saying: “I’m not commenting on that.”
The 24-year-old has aroused interest from the Championship side and their transfer pursuit was led by Daniel Farke.
It’s claimed Leeds haven’t yet made an official offer, despite earlier claims, but have registered their interest with the second division German club.
It’s stated Farke wants the 24-year-old at Elland Road but Leeds’ ‘squad planner’ [likely their director] is not on the same page with the German on this subject.
The report says ‘apparently there’s disagreement’ at Leeds between the squad planner and Farke as the former believes Tanaka isn’t the right candidate to bolster their midfield.
Therefore, Rheinische Post say the possibility of the player joining the English club seems to have been ruled out.
Tanaka, who has expressed his desire to leave Fortuna Düsseldorf, has not received any concrete offers so far.
As things stand, Tanaka is likely to stay at the club, unless there’s a new twist before the window closes on Friday.