Revealed: This is preventing Leeds from agreeing ‘huge’ Piotr Zielinski deal
Leeds United remain confident of securing survival in the Premier League despite some early concerns about their inconsistent form so far.
Daniel Farke’s side beat West Ham 2-1 last time out, handing them a three-point advantage on a potential relegation rival in what could be a crucial result long-term.
Farke is now planning to strengthen his squad in the mid-season window to help build on their positive results and firm up their chances of survival.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 25 October that Leeds want to sign Piotr Zielinksi, who could be made available during the January transfer window.
Leeds have been long-term admirers of Zielinksi, having also considered a move to sign him during the summer, and they are now prepared to reignite their interest.
Leeds United dealt blow in Piotr Zielinski pursuit
While Zielinksi would be considered an ambitious option for Farke’s side, they have been given confidence by Inter’s stance om his potential departure.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Inter would be willing to cash in on the midfielder when the January window opens, and he would be interested in the chance to move to the Premier League.
However, Leeds are facing a potential stumbling block over the deal, and the Poland international’s wages are expected to be out of reach for their budget.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Zielinski is probably even more difficult to do.
“He was linked with Leeds in the summer window and they were linked with a couple of other midfielders as well, but they didn’t make a move.
“He is well down the pecking order at the San Siro.
“The problem for Leeds would be that Inter would demand a decent fee for the Polish international and he is on huge wages. I think he’s among the top earners at Inter Milan as well.
“Inter are definitely open to his departure to try and save some money and boost their own transfer coffers.
“Whether they’ll be able to sell Zielinski to Leeds, that remains to be seen.”
Reports have claimed Zielinski is earning around £140,000 per week at Inter, while the highest-paid player at Leeds is currently believed to be Dominic Calvert-Lewin on £100,000 per week.
Leeds forced to consider other options after Zielinski blow
Football Insider revealed last month that Leeds want to sign a midfielder and a winger in the mid-season window to strengthen in key areas.
An attack-minded midfielder would give them a different dimension to the likes of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff who arrived at Elland Road during the summer.
Zielinski has emerged as one of a number of options on Leeds’ radar, although they may be forced to look elsewhere as a result of his wage demands.
Football Insider revealed on 25 October that Leeds want to sign Issouf Sissokho from Maccabi Tel Aviv and have identified him as an option for January.
Meanwhile, Sissokho would be open to joining Leeds in the mid-season window as he is keen to make a move to the Premier League if the opportunity arises.
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