Leeds United transfer saga takes unexpected turn as Marseille reportedly ready to finalize £8m deal for striker

French powerhouse Marseille has expressed interest in Jonathan Rowe, a target for Leeds United.

Jonathan Rowe, a transfer target for Leeds United, is reportedly nearing an £8 million move to Marseille. The Norwich City attacker may be Roberto De Zerbi’s next acquisition at the French team, according to a report that appeared in The Sun today.

After selling Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United, the Whites are focusing on adding reinforcements to their wide areas, and they have been in talks with the Canaries on a possible trade for Rowe. The national media had earlier reported that the Whites were willing to make a £7 million deal for the gifted attacker, but that offer fell short of City’s asking price. Then, a new update suggested that although United intended to pay less than £10 million for Rowe, they would boost that offer.

Rowe, an England Under-21 international, is nearing the end of his Norwich contract. With 12 goals in 32 games, he was a key member of their promotion-chasing team last season.

But with Marseille seems poised to win the race to sign Rowe, it suddenly looks as though the Whites may miss out on him and may need to look elsewhere for reinforcements. Despite the rumors about Rowe and Canaries colleague Adam Idah’s fate, City head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup lauded the players’ attitudes and work ethic during his news conference yesterday.