The Argentine was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road, and between all the fervent speculation and his own optimistic social media activity, a transfer seemed like a real possibility.
Of course, deadline day came and went with the midfielder still on the books at Udinese, but there has been a residual interest in the player ever since among Whites supporters, and it will no doubt come as a blow to learn that Premier League champions Liverpool are being linked with a potential swoop for him.
According to Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport, Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the South American, and with rumours persisting over Barcelona’s interest in Gini Wijnaldum, he could be drafted in as a replacement for the Dutchman.
How much truth there is in that report – especially bearing in mind that De Paul has averaged fewer dribbles, fewer successful actions, fewer shots on target, and a lower pass completion rate than Wijnaldum this season – remains to be seen, but if the Reds are genuinely keen, the suggestion is that they could be forced to cough up upwards of £35 million.
Leeds have already found out firsthand how desperate Udinese are to hang on to their star man, and it would appear that their stance has not changed too drastically over the past few months.
Elsewhere, former England striker Kevin Phillips has claimed that the Whites would definitely be interested in signing Bournemouth striker Josh King this month.
He told Football Insider: “100%, Leeds would be interested. If he is made available a lot of teams will be looking at him.
“With West Ham getting rid of Haller you would have thought they would’ve been the most interested because they need a replacement. Josh King would be a massive addition for Leeds.”
The same site reported at the beginning of the week that the Hammers, who are widely considered to be favourite for the player’s signature, have pulled out of the race to sign him.
Click and scroll through the rest of our Premier League transfer round-up below:
7. Dyche denies Vydra approach
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has denied that the Clarets have received an approach for striker Matej Vydra from Union Berlin. The German side had been linked with a potential loan swoop this month. (Sky Sports) (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
8. Liverpool eye up De Paul
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to sign Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine was heavily linked with a move to Leeds United over the summer, and could cost upwards of £35 million. (Corriere Dello Sport) (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Photo: Alessandro Sabattini
9. Bernardo set for Salzburg loan
Out-of-favour Brighton defender Bernardo is set to head to RB Salzburg on loan. The Brazilian joined Albion for £9 million from RB Leipzig in 2018. (Gianluca Di Marzio) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
10. Man United ready to green-light Williams loan
Manchester United are willing to give the go ahead for Brandon Williams to leave the club on loan this month. Sheffield United have already made an approach for the defender. (Football Insider) (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall