Leeds United are honing in on their transfer targets and a midfielder on the Elland Road agenda has chosen to turn down a new contract offer, and leave his current side.
Paraag Marathe has promised Leeds will spend every penny without breaking PSR rules. Reports say that Leeds have a £150m transfer budget, focusing on a new goalkeeper, centre-back, midfielder and a striker.
Jaka Bijol looks like the one Leeds want in central defence. Leeds are planning to enter talks for Bijol in the coming days and the 62-time Slovenia international has made it clear he wants to leave Udinese.
In midfield, it is unclear who Leeds are going to try and sign. Southampton’s Shea Charles is a new target while Sporting Lisbon’s Hidemasa Morita remains on the agenda, a pal of Ao Tanaka in the Japan team.
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesHidemasa Morita rejects Sporting Lisbon offer, wants to leave
Leeds are interested in teaming up Ao Tanaka with Morita, which often is a midfield combination at Japan level even if Tanaka does not start as often as Morita. Morita, 30, has just helped Sporting win the league.
Reports this month say Morita wanted to leave but had been offered a new contract by Sporting, who are desperate to keep the Japan star. However, Portuguese outlet Leonino have delivered a Morita update.
They say that Morita has now turned down a contract to stay at Sporting, with his current deal ending in the summer of 2026. Morita now is keen on leaving Sporting, who are requesting a £12.5m fee for him.
Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty ImagesAo Tanaka and Hidemasa Morita have played together 62 times
The duo combined together initially with J-League side Kawasaki Frontale, before the duo reunited in the Japan side. Morita has gone to shine at the top end of Portuguese football as Tanaka shines in England.
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The two clocked up 50 appearances together for Kawasaki Frontale, as well as 12 times with Japan and counting. The duo have helped their sides score a whopping 151 goals in games when both are playing.
Incredibly, the combination of Tanaka and Morita has resulted in just six losses during those 62 games and Japan remain unbeaten with the two midfielders working in tandem. Possibly, why Leeds want him.