Revealed: The truth about Leeds United and Tete ‘offer’ – sources
Leeds United are not pursuing their interest in Lyon loan star Tete, sources have told Football Insider.
Highly-regarded French newspaper L’Equipe reported on Friday (January) the Brazilian winger was in the UK and ready to sign with the Whites.
But Tete is instead closing in on a move to Leicester City from Shakhtar Donetsk, who loaned him this season to French club Lyon.
Leeds have distanced themselves from the Tete talks and privately insisted they are not in negotiations to sign him.
It is believed the 22-year-old was offered to the Elland Road club some time ago after he was made available for a potential January move.
Leeds expressed an interest but chose not to pursue it, and they are not actively trying to sign another forward this month following the club-record Georginio Rutter signing.
Tete has made 17 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon this season with 14 of those coming from the start.
He has scored six goals and registered three assists in those outings, making him one of the most prolific players for the club sat ninth in the French top flight.
The forward has been on loan at the Ligue 1 side from Shakhtar Donetsk since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with FIFA allowing foreign players to suspend their deals with clubs in the country.
FIFA’s ruling has complicated the move as it expires at the end of the season, meaning any club will only be able to sign Tete until the summer initially.
An agreement has also had to be reached with Lyon over the termination of his loan.
Leeds have already signed Rutter, 20, and Maximilian Wöber, 24, this month and are closing in on the capture of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
Jesse Marsch’s side are next in Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on 5 February.
The Whites sit 15th in the table but are only one point clear of the relegation zone.
In other news, Football Insider sources reveal Weston McKeinnie has cleared out his locker at Juventus ahead of his move to Leeds United.