Sources: Leeds race Premier League rivals to sign Igor Paixao
Leeds United have been joined by their Premier League rivals in the race to sign Marseille star Igor Paixao, sources have told Football Insider.
Daniel Farke's side have been long-term admirers of the 26-year-old and have made multiple attempts to lure him to Elland Road over the last couple of transfer windows.
News that he may soon become available as a result of poor performances and Marseille's financial situation has placed them on alert, but they will not be alone in their pursuit.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, a number of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Marseille and Paixao's situations.
The Ligue 1 club have run into financial concerns which has forced them to cut their wage bill, and there is a growing feeling they may have to sell players in the near future.
Paixao recently confessed he would be happy to take a wage reduction at Marseille, but should their woes continue, Leeds and their rivals will be keen to lure him away.
What are Marseille's demands to sell Igor Paixao?
Football Insider revealed in August that Marseille were demanding a fee of £40million to sell Paixao, which ultimately saw Leeds walk away from their pursuit.
However, their financial issues mean the winger could now be available for a cut-price fee, and a number of clubs are believed to be keen to take advantage of that situation.
Should Paixao become available, he is being heavily tipped for a move to the Premier League, and Leeds could miss out as a result of the growing interest from elsewhere.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Paixao has been a player that Leeds have been tracking for the last couple of windows, but weren't able to obviously get a deal done.
"But a number of clubs will be monitoring that situation at Marseille to see if there's any players that they can prize away from the French club given their financial predicament.
"If their financial situation doesn't improve by next summer, I'm sure there'll be a number of clubs who'll be ready to make a move for Paixao, who is highly rated.
"Other Premier League clubs will be keeping a close eye on that situation and could be prepared to rival Leeds if they are to make a move.
"I don't see anything happening in January because Marseille won't want to lose such a key player midway through the season and his price tag will probably be a bit high.
"But maybe next summer if Leeds are still interested, then that raises the possibility that they could make a new move for the winger."
Are Leeds still the front-runners to sign Paixao?
Despite interest from rival Premier League clubs, Leeds may have the upper hand in their pursuit of Paixao given their long-term interest in his services.
The 26-year-old has long been a target at Elland Road after they made attempts to bring him in during the summer window, as well as they year before in 2025.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 16 October that Leeds are well-placed to land Paixao if he is allowed to leave Marseille and are on alert over his potential availability.
While their previous efforts have proved unsuccessful as the winger has instead opted to remain at Marseille, but he has recently hinted at a potential departure in 2027.
Paixao has endured a difficult start to the season with the Ligue 1 outfit and has failed to score or provide an assist and has cut a frustrated figure.