Leeds United have made a first offer for Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka after Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart saw an offer of £2.3 million rejected by the German second-tier side, according to Sport Bild.
The Peacocks completed the signing of Joel Piroe from Swansea City last week, adding immense quality to the team’s attacking department. However, the depth in midfield is still an area of concern for head coach Daniel Farke.
Leeds lost a number of top midfield players during the summer transfer window, with the likes of Marc Roca, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Adam Forshaw all leaving for pastures new.
Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Farke has opted to utilise a midfield duo of new signing Ethan Ampadu as well as youngster Archie Gray but the manager wants to strengthen this area of the pitch before Friday’s deadline.
Over the past two weeks, the Yorkshire club have been linked with Norwich City’s Kenny McLean but Football League World reported that the Canaries are not willing to allow the Scot to leave before the transfer window slams shut.
Now, though, German outlet Bild are claiming that Leeds United have turned their attention towards Ao Tanaka at Düsseldorf and have submitted an offer for the Japan international.
Tanaka had a £2.3 million bid rejected for him from Stuttgart in the Bundesliga but it is believed that Leeds’ offer exceeds Stuttgart’s initial submission, although the actual fee has not been reported.
Writer’s View
Tanaka is an excellent midfielder with a superb engine on him, having made 196 intensive runs in just three appearances in the 2. Bundesliga this season.
The 24-year-old is tidy in possession and works relentlessly hard off the ball, making him a very astute signing should Leeds United be able to secure his signature for a few million only.
