Leeds United have reportedly opened talks to sign Japan international midfielder Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf.
After failing to gain promotion back to the Premier League, Los Blancos have endured a difficult summer transfer window, with the likes of Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara all leaving for big spends between a number of other outputs.
Leeds have secured some signings in the form of Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani and Jayden Bogle, but the hunt is on to land more reinforcements before the market closes on Friday.
Leeds open talks with Ao Tanaka
According to the Daily MailTanaka is the latest player in Leeds’ sights.
Their report says the 25-year-old, with 27 appearances for Japan so far with eight goals, has a release clause of just £2.65m in his contract and Leeds have made contact with their representatives during the last 24 hours. ‘.
It is believed Tanaka could fly to England imminently to complete a medical and push a deal over the line, with Leeds hopeful he could even be available in the squad to face Hull at Elland Road this Saturday
Tanaka has spent the last three seasons at 2. Bundesliga side Dusseldorf, with 10 goals and eight assists in 95 appearances in all competitions. The 25-year-old previously plied his trade with Kawasaki Frontale in his homeland, where he enjoyed a very similar record of 10 goals and nine assists in 94 outings, winning three J League titles as well as a series of national cup honors.
Leeds enjoyed a 2-0 win away to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield on Friday night, but that only came after drawing 3-3 and 0-0 against Portsmouth and West Brom respectively , either side of a 3-0 home thrashing of Middlesbrough. first round of the EFL Cup.
