Leeds submit multi-million bid to sign midfielder, work permit update shared

Leeds United have made a £3.3million offer to sign UD Leiria midfielder Dje D’avilla with “objectives included”, according to Sebastiao Sousa Pinto.

The Sport TV Portugal journalist posted on X (14 January) to report that the Whites have submitted a bit “in the region” of £3.3m for 21-year-old Ivorian D’avilla, who plies his trade in defensive midfield.

Portuguese second-tier club UD Leiria have requested a fee of £3.3m for D’avilla with several clubs interested, but issues with a work permit make any move to Elland Road, or England in general, difficult.

Sousa Pinto said: “Leeds United have made an offer to sign Djé D’avilla, in the region of £3.3million – objectives included.

“A transfer to England is considered difficult due to the work permit. Several clubs have shown interest in signing the midfielder. £3.3m is the amount requested by the Union of Leiria.”

Dje D’avilla transfer approach will leave Leeds United fans puzzled

While there’s not many United fans who don’t want to see additions made in LS11 before the winter window’s deadline, tabling a £3.3m bid for D’avilla could leave many scratching their heads.

Not only has Daniel Farke made clear that the transfer activity in and out of Elland Road before 3 Feburary will be minimal, defensive midfield is arguably the most well-stocked area of his entire squad.

With Ilia Gruev returning two months early from from a knee injury against Harrogate in the FA Cup on Saturday, as well as Ethan Ampadu also being back ahead of schedule, Farke has options aplenty.

Adding the previously-absent duo to the established midfield axis of Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka in his double pivot, Farke’s engine room doesn’t need much work when compared to his options up front.

An approach for D’avilla could take attention away from the more pressing need to sign a striker or goalkeeper before the window shuts.