Ipswich Town’s second offer for Exequiel Palacios still falls short of Bayer Leverkusen’s demands, despite growing optimism around the deal.
The Tractor Boys have stepped up their efforts for the Argentina international after seeing an opening bid rejected earlier this month.
Reports on Tuesday revealed Ipswich had returned with a new official proposal and believe they can get the transfer over the line quickly. There is, however, still a gap to bridge.
Second Ipswich offer below Leverkusen demands
South American journalist César Luis Merlo now provides more detail on the negotiations and identifies the latest proposal as Ipswich’s second formal offer for Palacios.
According to his information on Tribuna, the improved bid remains below the figure Bayer Leverkusen are demanding for the midfielder.
That would explain why an agreement hasn’t been reached yet, despite the confidence coming from the Ipswich side.
The German club haven’t closed the door. Talks remain open and Ipswich are working to move closer to their demands before the transfer window closes.
Earlier reports from Argentina had placed Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price at around €35m (£30.3m).
We covered last week that Ipswich’s first proposal was considered insufficient. Also, Argentine reports previously stated Palacios would prefer a move to a bigger club.
There is no mention of that preference in Tuesday’s latest update, and Ipswich’s continued push suggests they believe a deal remains achievable.
Ipswich still have work to do
Merlo also says Palacios remains highly regarded by Bayer Leverkusen’s coaching staff. That puts the Bundesliga side in a strong position during negotiations. The 27-year-old has been at the club since January 2020 and remains under contract.
Ipswich have at least made significant progress since their interest first surfaced.
Initial contacts took place with the player’s representatives, before the Premier League club moved on to a first formal offer. They have now returned with an improved second attempt.
The message coming from the latest reports is therefore fairly clear. Ipswich are pushing hard and believe the transfer can happen, while Bayer Leverkusen are yet to receive an offer which fully satisfies them.
Finding that middle ground is now the remaining task.
