Buffon to Leeds ‘wide of the mark’

Speculation linking former Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon with Leeds United has been described as ‘well wide of the mark’.

Reports over the weekend – including from the respected Corriere della Sera – claimed it was fast becoming a two-horse race between Leeds and Porto for Buffon’s signature.

Speculation linking former Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon with Leeds United has been described as ‘well wide of the mark’.

Reports over the weekend – including from the respected Corriere della Sera – claimed it was fast becoming a two-horse race between Leeds and Porto for Buffon’s signature.

The 41-year-old is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, but the Yorkshire Evening Post warns his ‘huge’ wage demands ‘fly in the face’ of United’s transfer policy.

That would appear to leave Porto as favourites for the veteran, yet the French Press claim the Portuguese club are on the verge of signing Stade Rennais shot-stopper Tomas Koubek.

Assuming Koubek replaces Iker Casillas, who is expected to retire following his recent heart attack, it could open the door for Buffon to return to Serie A.