Former Leeds United star David Norris expects the club to make a real effort to sign Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese this summer and believes the deal may happen.

De Paul has been linked with the Elland Road club since last summer, when Marcelo Bielsa’s team are said to have made a bid worth €35m (£30m).

Udinese held firm and rejected that offer and the playmaker went on to enjoy a superb season in Serie A.

The Argentina international made 36 appearances in the league, scoring nine goals and laying on 10 assists.

The link has not gone away, though, with many reports claiming Leeds could make another bid for De Paul this summer, with the player surely aware of the interest.

And Norris believes that the interest from Bielsa’s men may finally pay off following a year-long flirtation between the two parties, though he is wary of the club being beaten to the punch.

Indeed, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool have also been linked with an interest, so Leeds may have to move quickly if they are to secure De Paul’s signature.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Norris said: “Yeah I think so. That one’s not gone away for a year now. I fully expect that he knows Leeds are interested now.

“Leeds have shown an interest for a long time, so normally with that perseverance, I’d absolutely expect Leeds to try to get that one over the line. He fits their style of play, Leeds will have done due diligence on him and from what we’ve seen of him, and the way Leeds play, he would suit their style of play.

“He seems to want the move, Leeds want it, so I expect Leeds to really go after that one and just hope, potentially, they don’t get gazumped.”