Sky Sports reported on Tuesday [22 August, 16:49] that Paintsil is one of a number of forwards being eyed by Leeds ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
However, 3Sports Ghana journalist Ampofo claimed later on Tuesday [22 August] that, while Leeds have opened talks with Genk, Fiorentina are also in for the 25-year-old.
Ampofo posted on his Twitter account: “Leeds United and Fiorentina have expressed interest in Genk winger Joseph Paintsil.
“Talks ongoing between clubs but nothing on player side yet
Identifying a possible target is a positive development from Leeds’ perspective, but they cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket.
The need for a new forward will of course increase should Wilfried Gnonto be sold late in the window, but Leeds could do with another attacker regardless.
After failing to score in a 1-0 loss at Birmingham City and wasting a number of chances in last week’s 1-1 draw with West Brom, Daniel Farke’s men lack a cutting edge up top – something Gnonto will of course go a long way to resolving should he be reinstated back into the squad.
The fact that the transfer window closes on 1 September means Leeds cannot afford to be caught up in a transfer battle for Paintsil.
It was always likely that Leeds’ transfer business would go down to the wire, though they must ensure others are lined up – loans or otherwise – should they miss out on Paintsil.
As promising as the Genk flyer looks, it makes more sense to target an attainable target than waste time chasing one that is wanted by higher-calibre clubs.
