Frank McAvennie

Wed 19 June 2024 7:00, UK

Joe Rodon could turn down the opportunity to re-join Leeds United in the summer transfer window amid interest from Serie A clubs.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie explained that Rodon, 26, could follow in the footsteps of young players like Lewis Ferguson in making the move abroad.

Ferguson joined Bologna from Aberdeen in 2022 and has gone on to make 66 appearances in Italy, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists from midfield.

Rodon is the latest to attract interest from Europe as he looks set to leave Tottenham following an impressive spell on loan at Elland Road.

Leeds’ failure to gain promotion to the Premier League has complicated a move for the defender given their financial situation, although both parties are said to remain keen on a deal.

Joe Rodon to turn down Leeds United move amid Serie A interest

Football Insider revealed in April that the defender would be allowed to leave Tottenham this summer, with Leeds remaining interested in retaining his signature.

However, McAvennie insists that if Rodon is handed the choice of staying at Leeds or moving to an Italian side, he would choose the latter.

“Of course, he will [choose a move to Italy over Leeds],” he told Football Insider.

“Playing in the Championship compared to playing in Serie A, it’s miles apart.

“To go there and experience that change of lifestyle. You see guys like Lewis Ferguson go over there and they’re embracing it now more.

“These young players are loving the change of culture.

“I would think, if he has the chance, he’ll go abroad. He’s not going to get a game at Tottenham so he’s got to go and play elsewhere.

“But if teams in Serie A don’t want him, then Leeds have been a good team for him.”

In other news, Pep Guardiola has been backed to retire as his Man City exit draws closer.

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