Leeds target England U21 and Marseille star Jonathan Rowe after losing out on Igor Paixao to Roberto De Zerbi's team

The transfer saga is gathering pace for Leeds. After missing out on signing Paixao, who had been targeted for weeks, the English club wasted no time in responding. Their plan B is the promising winger currently under contract at Marseille.

Although an agreement had been reached several weeks ago between Paixao and Marseille, the English club attempted a last-minute coup. They offered €35 million (£30m/$41m) to Feyenoord to outbid the French club. But Marseille, stung by the move, did not back down, submitting an improved bid which was accepted by the Dutch side. The Brazilian winger will therefore be heading to France, where he is expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon.

According to Calciomercato, Leeds could bounce back by targeting Rowe in their desperate search for a winger. Despite a lacklustre season on the bench, the English winger has not gone unnoticed. Winner of the Euro Under-21 Championship with England this summer, he is on the radar of several European clubs. Roma, Atalanta, and Bournemouth are believed to be interested in him.

In Marseille, Rowe is still considered a wild card, but Roberto De Zerbi is keen to bring him into the fold this season. The club do not want to let him go lightly. According to the Italian press, Marseille are demanding €20 million (£17m/$23m) for the player. And the Lilywhites, capable of offering €35m for Paixao, clearly have the means to do so.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will make a move in the coming days. Following the departure of Luis Henrique to Inter, further activity on the left wing cannot be ruled out for Marseille. The transfer window is still open, and the Ligue 1 sinde could well receive an offer they cannot refuse.

Additional reporting by Patrick Tchanhoun .