Leeds United have missed out on midfielder Alexandru Maxim after chose to stay in German football, leaving Stuttgart to join Mainz. 

The Romania international has regularly been linked with the Whites, with the Yorkshire giants keen admirers of Maxim and having held talks with his agent.




But the midfielder has been firm on his desire to continue playing top flight football, ruling out dropping down to the Championship with Leeds.

Maxim has put pen to paper on a contract running until 2021 with Mainz and the club believe they have landed a real talent in the number 10.
 


Mainz sporting director Rouven Schroeder said: "Alexandru Maxim is still a creative classic number 10.

relatedNewsStory

"The ball is his friend, he is self-confident in one-on-one situation, he can open up spaces with his dribbling and hit dangerous shots."

And Schroeder feels that Maxim is a player who will boost the quality of the squad at Mainz.

"He will enhance our squad. We are very happy with his decision to choose Mainz for the future."

Maxim helped Stuttgart to win promotion to the Bundesliga last season and joins a side in Mainz that avoided the drop zone in the top flight on goal difference.

Mainz will hope the Romanian schemer can help them avoid a similarly close shave with the drop next term.