Leeds United may be about to face defeat in the pursuit of one of their top remaining transfer targets.
The Whites are expected to be one of the busiest teams in the Championship during the final three weeks of the window, with three new signings still wanted by Daniel Farke.
At this stage, replacing Crysencio Summerville looks to be the main priority following his move to West Ham United last weekend.
Leeds have been doing a lot of work in doing that this week and have reportedly agreed terms with Crystal Palace for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, but so have Sheffield United and Hull City.
Rak-Sakyi is not the only winger Leeds have been discussing, though, with Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe one Farke is really keen to bring to Elland Road.
Marseille deal Leeds blow in Jonathan Rowe race
Leeds could well be about to learn the outcome of their pursuits for both Rak-Sakyi and Rowe in the coming hours.
While Leeds have matched what Palace want for Rak-Sakyi, Sheffield United remain at the front of the queue, and a decision is expected today.
Leeds, meanwhile, are said to have made good progress in talks with Norwich over a deal for Rowe, but a new report from today’s printed edition of The Sun (9 August, page 51), suggests otherwise.
They claim that Marseille are actually set to win the race for the ‘unstoppable‘ Rowe having outbid Leeds with an offer of £8 million.
Leeds, meanwhile, are yet to get above £7 million according to the report, meaning the 21-year-old looks set to be on his way to France, as opposed to Elland Road.
After reports Leeds were getting closer to Norwich’s valuation on Thursday, hopefully the 49ers can come up with an improved bid that overcomes Marseille’s interest.
What Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup said about Rowe’s future
Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup was asked about Rowe’s future in his pre-Oxford United press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Hoff Thorup insisted despite interest elsewhere, Rowe would be in the squad for Saturday’s game, which should offer hope a move to Marseille isn’t as advanced as The Sun make out to be.
He said: “These guys have trained with the group, they’re important and that’s how it is. We can’t affect whether there is an offer, that’s what I tell the players on a daily basis. Their heads are ready to perform here.
