Leeds United have opened talks to sign Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf, according to reports.
After failing to secure promotion to the Premier League, the Whites endured a difficult summer transfer window, with the likes of Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara all leaving for big money amid a host of other departures.
Leeds have managed to secure the signings of Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani and Jayden Bogle, but the campaign is looking for more reinforcements before the market closes on Friday.
Leeds have opened talks with Ao Tanaka
According to the Daily Mail, Tanaka is the latest player in Leeds' crosshairs.
Their report states that the 25-year-old – who has made 27 appearances so far in Japan, scoring eight goals – only has a £2.65m release clause in his contract and that Leeds have contacted his representatives 'in the last 24 hours.'
It is thought Tanaka could fly to England soon to complete a medical and push the deal forward, with Leeds hoping he could be in the squad to face Hull at Elland Road on Saturday.
Tanaka spent the last three seasons with 2. Dusseldorf of the Bundesliga, scoring 10 goals and eight assists in 95 games in all competitions. The 25-year-old plyed his trade with Kawasaki Frontale in his homeland, where he enjoyed a similar record of 10 goals and nine assists in 94 outings, winning three J League titles, and a host of domestic trophies.
Leeds enjoyed a 2-0 win away to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday night, but that came after 3-3 and 0-0 draws against Portsmouth and West Brom, respectively, either side of 3-0 home defeats by Middlesbrough. first round of the EFL Cup.
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