Rodrigo Muniz confirms new Fulham transfer stance amid Leeds United interest

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TBR Football understands Rodrigo Muniz has been informed he will be offered a new contract after head coach Marco Silva convinced Fulham not to sell.

Atalanta pushed hard to land Muniz, and the Brazilian was keen to move to Bergamo, having agreed personal terms with the Serie A side.

However, sources have told TBR Football that Fulham informed Atalanta on Monday that Muniz would not be moving for any price. Atalanta accepted this and quickly moved on to their next target in the shape of Nikola Krstovic from Lecce.

Leeds United expressed interest in signing Muniz; however, the forward had expressed his preference to play Champions League football with Atalanta should he leave Craven Cottage.

Exclusive: Fulham will offer Rodrigo Muniz a new contract

Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively revealed to TBR Football that Muniz, who scored a 97th minute equaliser against Brighton on the opening day, is happy to remain at Fulham but is eager to pen a new deal.

Bailey states: “I am told that Muniz is one of Fulham’s lowest paid players, he is very much due a new contract, and Marco Silva has made it clear to Fulham’s top brass he wants this sorting out.

“Muniz wants to stay and pledge his future to Fulham.”

The news will come as a significant blow to Daniel Farke, who, despite adding Dominic Calvert-Lewin to his attacking ranks, is eager to recruit another centre forward before the deadline.

Although Joel Piroe managed 19 goals and seven assists in 46 Championship appearances last term, there is a growing need for Leeds to add a proven Premier League striker to the roster.

TBR Football revealed in July that Mateo Joseph is ready to leave Leeds this summer, and Farke will only sanction the Spaniard’s departure once a new number 9 is through the door at Elland Road.

Leeds United forced to pursue Rodrigo Muniz alternatives

The Whites have wasted little time dwelling on Muniz’s decision to commit his future to Craven Cottage and are already close to completing a deal for an alternative target.

TBR Football understands Leeds have agreed to sign Noah Okafor in a £17 million deal to acquire the Swiss international from AC Milan.

Okafor can play anywhere across the front line and was available on a cut-price deal after he was limited to only 11 Serie A appearances at the San Siro last season.

After Lukas Nmecha scored on his Leeds debut to secure a 1-0 win against Everton on the opening day, there is confidence that Farke could retain their Premier League status this season without needing significant further investment in the squad.