Leeds United now have a clearer picture of how much it will cost to lure Noah Okafor away from AC Milan after his current club rejected an initial rival bid for the attacker.
AC Milan forward Noah Okafor is the latest name to be linked with a move to Leeds as Daniel Farke looks to bolster his attacking options in the closing stages of the transfer window.
With a deal for England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin now close to completion, Leeds’ focus appears to be shifting to their hunt for a new winger, with Noah Okafor emerging as a potential target.
Having failed in their pursuit of Igor Paixao and also been linked with a move for former loanee Manor Solomon, Leeds know they need to strengthen at the business end of the pitch.
Now, they have received a clearer indication of how much they will have to pay for Okafor, after AC Milan fielded an initial rival bid.
Noah Okafor takes on Isaac Schmidt during Leeds United v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Sara Cavallini/Getty Images
AC Milan respond to Noah Okafor bid
According to a report in CalcioMercato, AC Milan have already received concrete interest in Okafor in the current transfer window.
According to the Italian publication, Bologna have made an offer for Okafor, in a report which states: “Leeds are not the first club to be on the trail of Okafor; Bologna have also been evaluating the Swiss AC Milan striker for weeks to fill the void left by compatriot Dan Ndoye, who was sold to Nottingham Forest.
“The Rossoblu have taken concrete steps by presenting an initial proposal to Milan, a loan with an option to buy for a total package of €15-16 million [approximately £13 million].
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“However, the offer hasn’t convinced the Rossoneri management.”
This is a useful starting position for Leeds as they now have a minimum bar which they know that they have to surpass as they look to finalise their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Noah Okafor playing for AC Milan.
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
How did Noah Okafor perform against Leeds recently?
Leeds know all about AC Milan, after Anton Stach scored a wonder goal to level the recent friendly between the two sides.
Unknowingly, Leeds fans also got to see their future transfer target in action, as he played 90 minutes on the left wing for the Italian side in Dublin.
According to the stats from FotMob, Okafor was solid, if a little unspectacular, in the game at the Aviva Stadium, as he failed to find the net or provide an assist in the game.
Noah Okafor vs Leeds United Total
Goals 0
Assists 0
Minutes Played 90
Touches 35
Total Shots 2
Pass Accuracy 95%
Total Accurate Passes 20/21
Touches in Opposition Box 4
However, his all-round contribution to the 1-1 draw was impressive as he linked up well with his teammates, maintaining a pass accuracy of 95% from his 21 passes. He also had 35 touches in total, with four in the opposition’s box and made two successful dribbles.
Whilst this wasn’t the most eye-catching display of the Swiss forward’s career, there were enough glimpses to show that he is a player of great potential in the right system.