In May, it was reported Leeds United were in a good position to sign Hidemasa Morita from Sporting. The 30-year-old midfielder had made it known he didn’t want to sign a renewal with the Lisbon club, and therefore a sale was seen as the best option.
Leeds United were said to have the chance to seal a transfer for around €8m, which looked like a reasonable deal. The Japan international was a used squad player for Sporting last season, helping the club on their way to the league and cup double.
However, it appears Leeds United have moved on to other options.
Earlier this month, it was reported the Whites were having second thoughts, after Morita struggled with injuries in the second half of last season.
A Bola now report Morita’s situation has got to such a stage that Sporting could keep him, with the full knowledge they’ll lose the player for free a year from now.
Morita still wants to leave, however, A Bola report Sporting are asking for €10m and no club has shown any intention to pay that figure.
Perhaps this is just a play from the Lisbon side to cement their negotiating position, because it’s very unlike Sporting to throw away transfer money.
