Paris Saint-Germain make contact over £17.2m transfer of Leeds United target Romain Faivre

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According to Le Parisien, Mauricio Pochettino has dealt Leeds United a blow in the race to sign Romain Faivre after Paris Saint-Germain contacted the Stade Brest midfielder’s agent.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites are said to be among a clutch of clubs from across Europe who are keen to sign the 22-year-old this summer, but trail the Ligue 1 giants as Faivre would look fondly on a move to the Parc des Princes.

Faivre retains a special affection for PSG having been born and raised in the Asnieres-sur-Seine region of the French capital, and may be offered a move after impressing leaders of the Parisian outfit during Ligue 1 and Coupe de France encounters this season.

Paris Saint-Germain were so blown away by Faivre’s ability that contact was made with Brest over the former AS Monaco midfielder’s situation, while also approaching his representatives to discuss a potential transfer.

Negotiations are expected to continue into the summer market after Pochettino gave a positive verdict on the France U21 international’s efforts in the Coupe de France, while Sporting Director Leonardo appreciates his versatility and technique.

PSG could face competition from Leeds, as well as Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach, AC Milan, OGC Nice and Stade Rennais who have also expressed their interest, with each informed that a deal would cost between €15-20million (£12.9-£17.2m).

Faivre has been a fixture of Brest head coach Olivier Dall’Oglio’s plans at the Stade Francis-Le Ble this season, starting 32 of his 35 appearances across all competitions while offering six goals and five assists from a variety of midfield and attacking positions.

TBR’s view:

Paris Saint-Germain making approaches to Faivre’s representatives and the midfielder’s fondness for the Ligue 1 giants will come as a blow to Leeds in their hopes of sealing a deal for the 22-year-old, who could afford Bielsa a versatile and creative weapon next season.

Faivre is somewhat a perfectionist, as well, as he refuses to settle for the current level of his ability, telling L’Equipe in January: “Defensively, I have progressed. I am recovering a lot of balls, but I have to thicken myself to be stronger in the duels.”

All the while Faivre is establishing himself as an exciting talent, as he draws inspiration from Brazil and Barcelona icon Ronaldinho but with a view to broadening his game.

“[Hatem Ben Arfa]’s a genius,” Faivre added. “I also adore Ronaldinho, he’s really the one who made me love football. But I don’t just have dribbling. I really like breaking the lines in passing.”

It remains to be seen if Leeds can now present an offer more appealing than a seemingly dream move to Le Parc des Princes, or if Pochettino’s admiration will be impossible to overcome.