Udinese technical director comments on Rodrigo De Paul amid reported Leeds interest

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Udinese sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has been quoted by UdineseBlog.It as saying that the Serie A side are yet to receive an offer for Rodrigo De Paul that meets their asking price – amid reported interest from Leeds United.

De Paul, 26, has become renowned as one of the most influential players in Italian football of late – last season having a hand in 13 goals from 34 Serie A outings. He captained Udinese nine times in the league last season.

The Mirror claims Udinese want as much as £35million for 17-time Argentina international De Paul, who has shown versatility over the past season by playing in holding midfield, central midfield, the 10 role and even out wide.

Now, Marino answered questions about De Paul’s future. He stated that despite Leeds’ interest in De Paul, no club had made offers that matched Udinese’s asking price – which Marino states is between £27.5million and £32million.

“I have already said that he will only go to improve his career. The offers of €30million/€35million (£27.5million/£32million) have not arrived. Those interested have not given a fair value to Udinese,” Marino said.

“The market does not appreciate De Paul for what his value is. I have no doubt that if De Paul remains, as we all hope, he will be one of the strengths of the team. “

TBR’s view – Is De Paul worth what Udinese are asking for?

There is absolutely no doubt that De Paul is one of the best, and most-versatile players in Italian football at the moment. Little surprise, then, that Juventus have been linked – as have Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg.

Had the global pandemic not struck, a fee of £30million for De Paul would have been fair. But due to the financial constraints of the suspension of football, that figure should have been reduced. Anything in the region of £25million is a fair deal.