Guingamp attacking midfielder and long-term Leeds United target Yannis Salibur was once again linked with an Elland Road switch this summer, but as “usual”, a move fell through even before anything serious started.
The Whites reportedly showed interest in the Frenchman back in May, but it was Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne that looked most likely to snap up a deal for the £9million-rated former France youth international.
While a deadline transfer switch was expected, with Guingamp later agreeing to Saint-Etienne’s £7million proposal for Salibur, the deal collapsed as the 26-year-old reportedly raised his wage demands at the last minute. Salibur had a medical with Les Verts and agreed personal terms.
Contrary to the reports, a source close to the highly-rated midfielder revealed to Foot Mercato (via inside football): “We had wage demands for Yannis which corresponded to his value in our view. Saint-Etienne had another view of things. In order to continue the negotiations, we decided to go along for the medical and continue the talks.
“Yannis really was very interested in the project at Saint-Etienne. He wanted to go. The negotiations took place in a calm environment. We were very well received by Saint-Etienne, but we simply could not agree on the salary aspect. At no time did we make any last minute requests on the level of the salary.”
With Salibur remaining with Guingamp until January at the earliest, it remains to be seen if Leeds would renew their interest once more.
Manager Thomas Christiansen brought in attacking midfielder Samuel Saiz from Huesca during the off-season, and the former Spain youth international has already started life in the Championship on an impressive note.
The 26-year-old has a goal and an assist in 4 league games thus far, and from the look of things Salibur might no longer be a wanted man at Elland Road.
