Rodrigo De Paul shuts down talk of exit, amid Liverpool and Leeds links

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Reported Liverpool and Leeds United target, Rodrigo De Paul, has moved to play down any speculation surrounding his future with Udinese.

De Paul was widely tipped for a move away in both the summer and January. The Udinese star was said to first be of interest to Leeds, but the Whites weren’t willing to pay a reported £35m fee in the summer.

In January, Italian outlet, Corrie dello Sport, claimed that Liverpool had also made contact regarding De Paul’s availability. But, as we know, the midfielder stayed put with the Serie A club.

And speaking to the club’s official site this week, the Argentinian has sought to put an end to any speculation over his future.

“Even this summer and January there was a lot of talk about me (leaving Udinese). But I immediately went to the director to tell him I wouldn’t go anywhere. I closed the doors to everyone and we hope to continue like this,” De Paul said.

“I have to thank the fans so much. They have always had nice words for me. Every day, I get beautiful messages from them. I know it’s not easy to have that love, that connection, that energy.  Returning to the Champions League with Udinese would be the best. I believe sooner or later this will come.”

For now, then, it seems both Leeds and Liverpool will need to look elsewhere to get a new midfielder.

TBR View: De Paul a quality player but he seems settled now

It looked at one point that Rodrigo De Paul was nailed on to leave Udinese. Such is his quality and the interest that was gathering pace in both the summer and in January.

However, he seems to have put things to bed. Bringing his family into it suggests he is more than happy in Udinese.

It’s a shame for both Liverpool and Leeds. For the Reds, he could have been the ideal Wijnaldum replacement. While for Leeds, De Paul has been tracked for some time and it will sting a bit to miss out.