Mateo Joseph has effectively gone on strike at Leeds United in order secure a move to Real Betis.
Daniel Farke publicly expressed his dissatisfaction over the striker’s situation, while the La Liga side plan take advantage of the drama to sign him in a favourable deal.
On July 24th, claims from Spain stated Real Betis are refusing to meet the €10-15m price requested by Leeds. They want the price lowered or to sign him on loan with an option to buy.
Earlier this week, Diario de Sevilla reported there’s ‘immense’ anger from Leeds towards the 21-year-old. There’s also frustration that Real Betis haven’t made concrete moves, especially after the player tried to force things.
Betis want to wait until the end of the window, a strategy they are also using with Manchester United’s Antony. The idea is that the longer they do nothing the easier and cheaper a deal will be.
However, there’s always the danger of another club arriving.
Marca reports that has happened now as RCD Mallorca have stepped in to try and secure Mateo Joseph’s services.
It’s claimed Mallorca sporting director Pablo Ortells has held direct talks with the Spain U21 international.
The frontman contributed three goals and four assists from 39 Championship games last season, as Leeds secured promotion to the Premier League. Mallorca are said to be more impressed with Joseph’s record of eight goals in 12 games for Spain U21.
On July 14th, Mallorca completed the signing of Pablo Torre from Barcelona. According to the Marca, the 22-year-old Spaniard is close to the Leeds United player and the pair are in frequent contact.
Marca add Torre has intensified contacts in recent days, to persuade Mateo Joseph to join him at Mallorca. They add the Whites player is open to making a switch and it’s down to Ortells to find an agreement with Leeds.
The newspaper hasn’t specified whether Mallorca are looking at loan or a permanent deal. Either way, their interest will certainly be a boost for Leeds as they look to find a solution for Mateo Jospeh and show Real Betis they can’t have it all their own way.