Leeds United's saga over Rodrigo De Paul could be ended if they instead revisit one of their former mooted transfer targets before next month's deadline...

What's the word?

According to David Anderson of the Mirror, the Yorkshire giants are unwilling to meet Udinese's £36.5m asking price for the box-to-box midfielder and appear ready to play the waiting game as the player himself wants the move.

However, with the window closing in three weeks time, it could be wise to look elsewhere and one man could fall into their hands if the club plays their cards right.

One-time target Emi Buendia has revealed that he wants a transfer to the Premier League following Norwich City's relegation and last month, the Whites were told it would cost £25m to clinch him. A much cheaper fee than De Paul.

Forget De Paul

Whilst De Paul's qualities are abundantly clear, there's no guarantee that he could come to England, adapt and then become a hit. That's always the gamble with foreign imports.

However, Buendia is tried and tested in the Premier League and if anything, was one of the few bright sparks in the Canaries' shocking season.

Per WhoScored, the 23-year-old contributed to eight goals whilst averaging 2.8 dribbles, 2.3 key passes and 1.1 shots per game.

Only three top-flight stars managed to create more chances (83) than the Argentinian maestro last season - namely Kevin De Bruyne (136), Jack Grealish (91) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (87) - so he's in some illustrious company.

That's more than Joao Moutinho, James Maddison and Mo Salah too.

United legend Noel Whelan believes he's a great fit for Elland Road too, speaking to Football Insider, he said: "He could be the man to replace Pablo long-term but I am sure Orta will be looking at many options."

Whilst Norwich teammate Max Aarons believes Buendia is "tenacious and very strong," which only emphasises why he can compete at the very top.

Victor Orta must consider a £25m move for Buendia if the De Paul rumours continue to rumble on.

AND in other news, Leeds ace who lost possession 17x badly let Bielsa down...