Former Leeds United star Jon Newsome has expressed some doubt over a swoop for Udinese star Rodrigo De Paul this summer, telling The Transfer Tavern that such a move would be a “gamble”.

Leeds have been heavily linked with a potential move for the 26-year-old, who has emerged as a real star during his time in Serie A.

De Paul has scored nine goals and registered 10 assists in 35 Serie A outings this term and is valued at £34.2m by Transfermarkt.

He could well have made the move to Elland Road last summer, as Leeds were reported to have made a number of bids for the star with Victor Orta confirming they had "analysed" him, and that interest has clearly not dissipated.

Reports in Italy, via The Sun, claim that Leeds aren’t the only club interested, as Liverpool are also considering a bid, along with AC Milan, but Newsome has sounded a note of caution over any move.

Speaking exclusively to TT, Newsome, who played for Leeds between 1991 and 1994, said: “Well I’ve been looking at the interest in him and the reports are that the player’s said that his first port of call will be Leeds United.

“If there are clubs interested in him and he’s got a choice, Leeds would be his first-choice.

“It’s a lot of money, it’s a gamble, obviously he’s not played in the Premier League.”