Friday, 22nd August, 2014
Leeds United have failed with a late, late bid to win the race for Sassuolo striker Leonardo Pavoletti, with not even a personal visit from the English club's director of football able to turn the tide in their favour.
Pavoletti is heading to Serie A side Genoa on a three-year deal, with the Rossoblu then having agreed to send him instantly on a season-long loan to Cesena.
However, the man who was prolific in Serie B for Varese last term, hitting the back of the net 20 times in 36 games, was the subject of a late approach from Leeds.
According to Italian broadcaster Sportitalia, Leeds director of football Nicola Salerno appeared in Italy to submit a lucrative offer to Pavoletti.
Salerno was hoping to beat Genoa to the 25-year-old's signature, but saw the striker reject Leeds' proposal, having already agreed to move to the Rossoblu.
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Leeds have shopped extensively in the Italian market this summer, making good use of Salerno's contacts, as well as those of club owner and former Cagliari supremo Massimo Cellino.
However, they have come off second best in the race to sign Pavoletti, who will play his football in Italy's top flight in 2014/15.
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