Liverpool-linked Rodrigo De Paul to cost ‘a lot of money’, says Udinese director

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Liverpool and Leeds will have shell out ‘a lot of money’ if they wish to sign Udinese midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul, according to the club’s general director.

Pierpaulo Marino has issued the warning to both clubs, with a report from the Mirror quoting the Udinese supremo.

De Paul is thought to be a target for Liverpool should Gini Wijnaldum decide to leave for Barcelona this summer. Leeds, meanwhile, came close to landing the Argentinian last summer but ultimately dipped out of the race due to the fee.

And it seems Udinese’s stance on their demands for big money hasn’t changed one bit, if Marino’s comments are to be believed.

“It takes a lot of money to get them (De Paul and goalkeeper Musso). But it’s not like we went looking for potential buyers. I don’t have the problem of needing to advertise them. If someone doesn’t realise how strong they are, selfishly, it’s better for me.”

90Min.com claimed last year that Udinese were demanding around £40m for their midfield star. And while the pandemic may have knocked a few million off that fee, Udinese are apparently sticking to their guns.

TBR View: De Paul a class act but £40m will be too much for both clubs here

It’s hard to see Leeds forking out £40m on one player in all honesty. Yes they’re ambitious and want to move forward but it’s a big chunk of change to part with.

For Liverpool, they have other priorities which might negate De Paul’s arrival. They will need a midfielder, but strikers and defenders could be top of the pile for them given their problems this season.

De Paul, meanwhile, continues to impress in Italy. He will undoubtedly get a move eventually but the Premier League might just have to wait for now.