Leeds in race to sign 26-year-old playmaker as Mexican giants join hunt – reports
By Will Butcher
Leeds have competition for transfer target Alexandru Maxim as Mexican outfit Club América have joined the chase for the attacking midfielder, according to a report.
German publication Stuttgarter Nachrichten claim that América are interested in taking the 26-year-old Stuttgart ace to Mexico.
This comes after Stuttgarter Nachrichten had claimed earlier this month (January 3, 2.30pm) that Monk had entered talks with the Romania international in an attempt to strike a deal.
Able to offer cover both out wide and in the number 10 role, Maxim was reportedly identified to bolster Leeds’ attacking options as they eye promotion to the Premier League.
Naturally a playmaker, Maxim would provide cover for four-time Spain international Pablo Hernandez as well as solving Monk’s lack of options out wide.
Leeds have just two recognised wingers in their squad in Stuart Dallas and Hadi Sacko, which has forced Monk to play the likes of Souleymane Doukara and Kemar Roofe out of position.
Maxim, who has a contract until 2019, has been told he can leave Stuttgart by top-ranking officials at the German second division side but Leeds now face competition to sign him.
Football Insider verdict:
With no experience of English football, Maxim is a risky signing if Monk opts to bring him to Elland Road. However, assistant manager Pep Clotet knows Maxim well from their time together at La Liga side Espanyol, and that could prove crucial in penning the signature of the attacking midfielder. Leeds are desperate to add a further attacking dimension to their squad as they look to take their form to the next level in order to challenge Brighton and Newcastle for an automatic promotion slot, and the signing of Maxim could be the right ingredient to make that happen. They will need to move quickly though, as América look to swoop for Stuttgart’s number 10, with a move to one of the biggest clubs in North America likely to tempt Maxim.
In other Leeds transfer news, a reliable journalist has revealed that Leeds are doing everything in their power to try and finalise a deal for this French midfielder.
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