Leeds United table bid to sign Japanese ‘World Cup hero’ Ao Tanaka, could move to England within days

Leeds United have made an offer to Fortuna Dusseldorf to sign Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka in a pursuit that is getting “hot”, according to Bild.

The German newspaper reported via their website on Sunday evening (27 August) that Stuttgart had made an offer of €2.7million [£2.31] for the 24-year-old but it was turned down and now the Whites have put a higher bid on the table.

As such the “World Cup hero” may be set for Elland Road and “could move to England in the next few days” before the transfer deadline, as Stuttgart have signed an alternative and moved on.

Daniel Farke has already signed Ethan Ampadu for his midfield this summer and a bid has gone in for Glen Kamara from Rangers [Fabrizio Romano, 27 August].

But after the pursuit of Nadiem Amiri collapsed from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen it appears the German Whites manager is going after another option from this home country, but this time in the second tier.

In fairness to the Leeds United hierarchy they look to be putting the effort in late on to make up for what has been a very difficult summer for the fans.

Farke has had to contend with numerous players leaving his squad while the club were powerless to stand in their way thanks to relegation release clauses.

The opening weeks of the season have left him having to name incomplete substitutes benches, with an injury crisis on top of matters, plus Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra both unavailable as they looked to leave the club as well.

There is little time left but the atmosphere was very different as an attacking blitz, with new big-money striker Joel Piroe and the two previously wantaway wingers in the starting line up, saw the Whites record a first league win of the season at Ipswich on Saturday.

Money has been put on the table for a host of potential late signings, including Kamara, Amiri, Joseph Paintsil, and now Tanaka.

It has already proven easier said than done to get them over the line, and the squad definitely needs at least one more in central midfield, but it sounds promising for the Japanese international.

He has only featured in Bundesliga 2 since moving to Europe from Kawasaki Frontale but with 15 international caps, and goals in two World Cup games last winter, to his name he could be in line to provide much-needed reinforcements in the middle at Elland Road.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have contacted a Premier League club about yet another potential late deal.