Leeds United were “never relevant” in the race to sign Roma winger Ola Solbakken, according to Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen.
The Daily Mail had reported on Thursday (31 August) that Leeds had opened talks with the Serie A club over a late deal for the Norway international, who only moved to Stadio Olimpico in January.
However, Nettavisen wrote on their website that Daniel Farke’s side were never seriously in the running for the 24-year-old.
However, Nettavisen wrote on their website that Daniel Farke’s side were never seriously in the running for the 24-year-old.
Instead, Solbakken has jetted out to Greece for a medical with Olympiacos and to complete the formalities of his loan switch from the Serie A side.
Solbakken has had just 22 minutes of football under Jose Mourinho this season and is clearly deemed surplus to requirements under the legendary Portuguese coach.
This one, then, was seemingly a non-starter right from the very beginning and as quickly as the reports emerged they have been shot down even faster and the best thing Leeds can do is just leave it be.
Time is of the essence now, and Leeds have done some excellent work right at the death of the transfer window with Glen Kamara finally joining from Rangers and Ilia Gruev arriving from Werder Bremen.
Both players bolster Leeds’ ranks in midfield, but another forward option appears to be on Leeds’ radar, perhaps just in case Luis Sinisterra does seal a late exit from Elland Road, or maybe just to add further competition to a strong front line.
Whatever the reasons, Solbakken will not be joining and there is no time to stew over potentially missed targets. The clock is ticking and it will be hugely interesting to see if Leeds can get any more last-gasp business done before the window slams shut at 11pm on Friday (1 September).
In other Leeds United news, an ‘extraordinary’ update has emerged in the club’s search for a left-back.
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