Leeds United’s battle with Marseille to sign Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe intensified on Friday night.
Both parties are eager to get Rowe away from the Canaries before the transfer window closes, with Marseille expressing interest in the last 48 hours.
Leeds, meanwhile, are thought to have begun discussions with Norwich at the start of the week, after Crysencio Summerville’s transfer to West Ham United.
Daniel Farke is looking to add another winger to his team following Summerville’s departure, and Rowe is one of two top targets for the Whites.
Rowe appears to be Leeds’ top priority, although conditions have been reached with Crystal Palace on a season-long loan for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, and Sheffield United is also interested.
Romano shares a new Rowe update in a blow to Leeds.
Leeds have yet to make an official offer for Rowe, but it is believed that negotiations began at around £7 million, which is much less than Norwich’s valuation.
However, Norwich journalist Connor Southwell stated on Friday that the Canaries are certainly keen to strike a deal; otherwise, they would not have maintained discussions.
Five days without an official proposal, however, is becoming increasingly annoying, especially following Fabrizio Romano’s most recent update on Friday night.
According to Romano, Marseille has now made an opening offer, and conversations with Rowe and Norwich are underway as they seek to complete a deal.
This obviously puts pressure on Leeds to expedite their negotiations, as it is now clear that Marseille sees him as a legitimate target this month.
Outcome of Opening Marseille’s bid for Rowe revealed
Norwich’s estimate of the 21-year-old is thought to be approximately £15 million, and according to Sky Sports, Marseille’s offer fell far short.
It is unclear what Marseille proposed, but conversations between the two teams are expected to continue, suggesting that a second bid could emerge shortly.
According to Sky, Leeds remains in the running, but Marseille has taken the first step forward in the race to recruit him.
Norwich would prefer to preserve their talisman after losing Gabriel Sara last week, but, as Southwell stated, they are bargaining for a purpose.
