Leeds thought they had a deal on the table. Real Betis had other ideas — and now, with the Forest opener just days away, the clock is ticking on a midfield gamble that could define Daniel Farke’s window.

Leeds United have seen an opening offer for Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa knocked back, as the Premier League club continues to push for reinforcements just days before their season opener against Nottingham Forest.

The Bid That Wasn’t Enough

Leeds tabled an opening proposal worth around £6.9million for the 26-year-old Colombian, only for Real Betis to reject it outright. The Spanish side are standing firm, holding out for a fee closer to £10.3million — a gap of over £3million that now stands between Leeds and their target.

It’s a sizeable jump, and one that leaves Farke’s side with a decision to make as the deadline edges closer.

Why Deossa Caught Leeds’ Eye

The interest isn’t coming out of nowhere. Leeds scouts were watching closely when Deossa produced a moment of real quality during Betis’s pre-season clash with Arsenal, curling home a stunning left-footed strike in a 3-1 win. It was the kind of goal that turns heads in a recruitment meeting — and it clearly did exactly that.

There’s also reason for optimism on the player’s side. While Deossa is settled and happy in Seville, sources suggest the lure of Premier League football could be enough to tempt him if Leeds and Betis can find middle ground on a fee.

A Deal That Could Reshape the Squad

This pursuit hasn’t come out of the blue, either. Leeds’ earlier interest in Southampton’s Shea Charles — who ultimately joined Fulham instead — already signalled that Farke is actively looking to sharpen his midfield options, even in an area of the squad that looked well-stocked last season.

But landing Deossa wouldn’t be as simple as adding another name to the squad list. With Ilia Gruev still working his way back from a knee injury and unlikely to depart anytime soon, bringing in a new midfielder could force Farke into tough calls over the futures of Sean Longstaff or Ao Tanaka.

The Big Question: Is It Worth It?

With the price climbing and options already on the books, there’s a real argument that Leeds’ remaining transfer budget might be better spent elsewhere before the window shuts. It’s a classic late-summer dilemma — chase a player who’s already caught the eye, or redirect funds to a position of greater need.

One thing’s for certain: with Saturday’s clash against Forest fast approaching and the deadline looming right behind it, Leeds don’t have long to decide which way to go.