The latest twist in the ongoing Rodrigo De Paul saga came last night, as the Argentine midfielder was left out of Udinese's squad for their latst pre-season friendly.
The Serie A side lost 1-0 to third tier team Vicenza last night, ahead of this weekend's opening slate of top flight fixtures, with De Paul absent amid recent transfer selection.
Leeds United were linked with a move for the 26-year-old after the club completed their £40million double move for Rodrigo Moreno and Robin Koch earlier this month.
The pair made their Leeds debuts in the 4-3 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, with German international Koch starting in the middle of the Whites' defence, while forward Rodrigo came off the bench after 62 minutes.
While Leeds were left heartened by what was perceived as a positive performance against the Premier League champions, there is still three weeks of the international transfer window remaining and further additions are possible.
And according to one rival manager at least, Leeds are working to get another attacking player in.
Swindon boss Richie Wellens offered up a clue as to Leeds' forthcoming transfer plans when he was asked about the Robins' interest in young Leeds winger Jordan Stevens.
“Jordan Stevens, we’re very close to, I think we’ve more or less done it," he told the BBC.
"Leeds have got an issue in terms of releasing him at the moment because they’re trying to get someone in. And Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t let players out very easily. He is the head of Leeds, and only his say so will release players.
“We’ve been after him for six or seven weeks. He will join us on the 21st September.”
Zenit St. Petersburg are the latest club to be interested with Argentina international De Paul, with Italian champions Juventus also said to be looking at the attacking midfielder. The new Serie A season kicks off on Saturday, but Udinese are not in action until the following Sunday when they visit Verona.
Leeds have also been linked with a move for Rangers' Ryan Kent ahead of the end of the international transfer window, which closes on October 5. A domestic-only window then operates until October 16.
