Lecce and Leeds United are reportedly closer than ever amid claims of an agreement in principle to sign Nikola Krstovic.
However, the Whites are not interested in the centre-forward despite wanting to sign a striker this summer transfer window. Krstovic is also said not to be particularly keen on Leeds, either, amid the potential opportunity to join Milan or Roma instead.
The Montenegro international scored 11 of the 27 goals Lecce managed in Serie A last season, just over 40% of their total as a team. Speculation is thus understandable; below is a round-up of the latest reports from Italy:
Krstovic pursuit 'accelerating'
Corrie dello Sport claims the Whites are 'accelerating' to bring Krstovic to the Premier League. The club are said to continue negotiating with Lecce director of football Pantaleo Corvino, who is reputedly asking for €25million (£21million).
However, the same publication stated earlier this week that they had principally agreed to sell for €23million (£21million). It has also been reported before that Lecce are requesting €35million (£30million)
Krstovic is reportedly preparing to leave as 'the path to divorce seems clear'. Basel striker Kevin Carlos is said to be who the Serie A side have identified as his possible heir.
'Leeds is no longer tempting'
Krstovic reputedly does not want to be in another relegation battle next season and thus purportedly prefers staying at Lecce over signing for Leeds. Solo Lecce suggests the striker is waiting for an opportunity superior to Leeds from the market, preferring a team challenging at the opposite end of their league over a financially better offer.
It is claimed that Krstovic 'expects a leap in quality' with his next move and would ideally like an opportunity at the likes of AC Milan or Roma. The possibility of ending up in the Championship is reputedly not what Krstovic expects if he is to leave.