90min

Leeds United Pushing to Persuade Unconvinced Julian Draxler to Leave Paris Saint-Germain

By Max Cooper

Julian Draxler has been linked with a move away from Paris this summer
Julian Draxler has been linked with a move away from Paris this summer / Soccrates Images/Getty Images
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Leeds United are hoping to convince Paris Saint-German star Julian Draxler to join the newly promoted Premier League side, but the German international is keen to remain in the French capital.

PSG sporting director Leonardo has been looking to move on the 26-year-old since January, and his prayers may have been answered by the Whites, who are keen on the prospect of landing the midfielder.

Draxler in action during a friendly for PSG
Draxler in action during a friendly for PSG / Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

But according to French outlet RMC Sport, this deal remains a long way off completion, given Draxler's reluctance to leave les Parisiens, and his refusal to entertain the idea of joining Leeds - for the time being.

The ex-Schalke man has only one year remaining on his current contract with the Ligue 1 champions, and he has no intention of walking away from Paris before his deal expires next summer.

This will prove to be a huge stumbling block for both PSG and Leeds, with the French giants desperate to reduce their hefty wage bill, and Bielsa's side hoping to bolster their options ahead of their return to the English top flight.

Leonardo will also be keen to cash in on Draxler in the summer window, or he risks losing the player for nothing, as he will be able to negotiate a free transfer with whichever club he desires from January.

Draxler was a regular for PSG until this season, where he has dropped down the pecking order
Draxler was a regular for PSG until this season, where he has dropped down the pecking order / TF-Images/Getty Images

Draxler joined PSG from Wolfsburg in January 2017, for a reported fee of €42m. The German star has gone on to make 140 appearances in all competitions for les Parisiens, scoring 20 goals. His game time reduced significantly last season however, featuring only 11 times in Ligue 1, and failing to find the net in a campaign for the first time during his spell in France.

For Leeds, they will be concerned by the forward's hesitance to commit to a move to Yorkshire, as Bielsa will be demanding all hands on deck if they are to survive in the Premier League this year.