Leeds United’s battle with Marseille to sign Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe was ramped up on Friday night.
The two sides are both keen to prise Rowe away from the Canaries before the end of the window, with Marseille making their interest known in the last 48 hours.
Leeds, meanwhile, are said to have initiated talks with Norwich at the beginning of the week following Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham United.
Daniel Farke is keen to add another winger to his squad as a result of Summerville’s exit, and Rowe is one of two key targets for the Whites.
It would appear that Rowe is Leeds‘ priority, but terms have also been agreed with Crystal Palace over a season-long-loan for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with Sheffield United very keen too.
Romano shares new Rowe update in blow to Leeds
Leeds are yet to make an official offer for Rowe, though it is thought they began negotiations at around £7 million, which is someway from Norwich’s valuation.
However, Norwich journalist Connor Southwell revealed on Friday there is clearly some willingness to do a deal from the Canaries side, otherwise they would not have continued talks.
Five days without an official bid, though, is beginning to become frustrating, particularly after Fabrizio Romano’s latest update on Friday night.
🚨🔵⚪️ EXCL: Olympique Marseille send formal bid to Norwich for Jonathan Rowe.
He’s among targets for OM as talks took place on player side and now also club to club. pic.twitter.com/JiOagdrm6l
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2024
Romano claims that Marseille have now sent an opening offer with talks ongoing both with Rowe and Norwich as they look to push through a deal.
This certainly puts the pressure on Leeds to speed up their negotiations, as it is now clear Marseille consider him as a genuine target this month.
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Outcome of opening Marseille bid for Rowe revealed
Norwich’s valuation of the 21-year-old is believed to be around the £15 million mark and according to Sky Sports, Marseille’s offer fell someway short.
It is unclear exactly what Marseille offered but talks are expected to continue between the two clubs, meaning a second bid could arrive soon.
Sky do suggest that Leeds remain in the picture, but it is Marseille who have taken the first step forward in the race to sign him.
Norwich would like to keep their talisman having also lost Gabriel Sara last week, but as mentioned by Southwell, they are negotiating for a reason.
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