Daniel Farke has confirmed that Leeds United have begun working behind the scenes on a deal to sign Joe Rodon permanently from Tottenham Hotspur.
Rodon has been sensational since his loan move to Elland Road last summer but with Leeds not having the option to buy the centre-back, they would have to enter into negotiations with Spurs if they wish to make the deal permanent.
On Thursday, Football Insider reported that Leeds had already started speaking to Spurs about signing the Welshman, with the report explaining that the Championship club are aware that they could face quite a bit of competition for the defender if they wait until next summer.
The outlet suggested that the interest in the former Swansea man’s services is growing and that he could fetch as much as £20m at the end of this season.
Farke confirms Leeds United are working on Joe Rodon deal
Farke has now admitted that work is underway behind the scenes to make Rodon a Leeds player, with the German coach admitting that he has been delighted with the 26-year-old’s performances this season.
When asked about the club’s rumoured pursuit of the Tottenham man, he said (via TEAMtalk): “Behind the scenes, we are working. There is no doubt we are more than happy with Joe.
“He is growing into this club more and more, a leader role, you see how much it means to him to wear this white shirt. He is just happy to be her. He is crucial. We are more than happy.
“We would like him to stay for a bit longer, but right now it is not an urgent topic – he will stay for us until the end of the season.”
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It is rare for managers to talk about negotiations publicly but Farke is perhaps doing it in the knowledge that other clubs cannot enter the race for Rodon right now given that he is set to spend the rest of the season on loan at Leeds.
It sounds like the 47-year-old is also quite sure that the Wales international wants to remain at Elland Road beyond this season.