Leeds United do not think Joseph Paintsil and Nadiem Amiri transfers are dead – Phil Hay

Leeds United are confident that deals for Genk winger Joseph Paintsil and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri are not “dead”, according to Phil Hay.

Writing in the Athletic on Saturday (26 August), Leeds specialist Hay provided an update on the deals to sign both players.

German publication Bild had reported on Friday (25 August) that Amiri had changed his mind on a move to Leeds because he was reluctant to play in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Dharmesh Sheth suggested a move for Paintsil might also be off as Leeds felt the Belgian side had “moved the goalposts”.

However, Hay offered a more positive outlook, writing: “In terms of incomings, Leeds have bids on the table for Nadiem Amiri at Bayer Leverkusen and Joseph Paintsil at Genk.

“There are conflicting reports about them but our understanding as of yesterday evening was that Leeds don’t think either bid is dead. It’s fast moving at this stage of the window though.”

This really is a fantastic update for Leeds United fans to receive.

The optimism over the move for both players was seriously on the wane on Friday, with reports suggesting both transfers had hit the buffers.

But now perhaps all is not lost and both signings would represent fantastic pieces of business for a Leeds squad still desperately in need of reinforcements.

Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Sam Byram, Ethan Ampadu and Joel Piroe have all signed on so far to boost Daniel Farke’s numbers at Elland Road.

But having lost a raft of players, either on loan or having been sold, they still short on the whole – particularly in midfield.

With doubts still lingering slightly over the futures of Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra the move for Paintsil could also be particularly important.

Having been left a little despondent overnight, Leeds fans can now dream again of adding two bits of real quality as they look to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.