Leeds United have so far only made tentative enquiries for RB Leipzig striker Conrad Harder, alongside Lazio and Galatasaray.
Friday’s print edition of BILD reports Leeds are yet to get properly serious for the 21-year-old, despite reports this week.
The newspaper explains that Leipzig are keen to trim their squad before the end of the transfer window on Tuesday. Several players in the squad can leave.
While El Chadaille Bitshiabu is the hottest topic, Harder is another on the list. But at this moment in time, there have only been ‘tentative loan enquiries’ for him. These have come from Lazio, Galatasaray and Leeds United.
And they’re of no interest to Leipzig. The German side would prefer to sell the ‘maverick’ striker if they can. Thus, the situation remains open for the time being.
Leeds interest played down
It appears that BILD are playing down reports from this week linking Harder with a move to Leeds United.
Sport Witness have covered both of those reports over the last few days. The first stated that Leeds had made a move for the striker. The belief was that they could get a loan deal with an option to buy included.
The second report then pushed this forwards. It stated that not only were Leeds in advanced negotiations for Harder’s signature, but their transfer rivals were giving up. That again indicated a loan with an option to buy could be the route to a transfer.
Loan offers for now
Now BILD are saying the opposite. According to their information Leeds United’s efforts – and everyone else’s for that matter – have only been tentative at best. And Leipzig want a permanent sale, not a loan.
Whether Leeds are willing to involve themselves in that, remains to be seen. They already have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha as striker options.
Joel Piroe’s move to West Ham did open up a gap in the squad, but whether they want to commit to Harder long-term is unclear. However, there’s every chance a loan becomes available closer to the deadline.
