Leeds United must seize a golden chance to sign Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul after a major transfer development.

What's the story?

Reports last summer suggested that Leeds were very much interested in bringing the Argentina international to Elland Road, and The Athletic's Phil Hay recently indicated that the midfielder wants to come to Yorkshire.

Now, according to Italian publication Milan Live, De Paul's "farewell" from Udinese seems to be close, with the midfielder pictured in tears on the substitute's bench after the final Serie A game of the season against Inter.

The report adds that along with Leeds, a number of Italian sides are interested in signing him, with the likes of Milan, Inter, Juventus and Napoli all following him closely.

Kinnear's golden chance

It was only in recent weeks that Leeds United's chief executive, Angus Kinnear, dismissed suggestions De Paul was a player they were trying to sign.

But, when you look at the kind of player that he is, and the fact he does appear set to leave Udinese given the recent transfer update, Kinnear must surely seize this golden chance to snap him up.

Udinese coach Luca Gotti said: "Rodrigo is not the only one we have here who has a bright future but he can play for all the top clubs. Any team in the world. I mean, he starts for Lionel Messi’s Argentina. I’ve been able to watch this metamorphosis from up close, the shift in mentality that turns a good player into a top player, a champion.

"He’s become a leader and is the first person to demand more of himself. Rodrigo is able to pass that work ethic on to his team-mates."

And, the Udinese's technical director, Pier Paolo Marino, has also spoken highly of the £34.2m-rated midfielder, adding: "Rodrigo is animated by a profound love of football. It’s one of the attributes all top players must have. He’s a tireless worker who mixes quantity with quality, training as hard as he plays. In a nutshell, he’s the ideal player."

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De Paul's tears at the weekend seemed to hint at him having played his final game for Udinese, and while Kinnear poured cold water over speculation, it's time for him to perform a major U-turn and sign him this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are plotting a fresh move for this star...