Leeds United on verge of first summer transfer exit as Italian director confirms negotiations

The Italian goalkeeper is close to a permanent return to his homeland this summer, says Bari executive Ciro Polito.

The club's sporting director has told the YEP that the deal to sign Caprile is 'almost final'.

Caprile spent last season on loan at Pro Patria in Serie C, keeping 13 clean sheets in all competitions en route to the promotion play-offs, although the team were unsuccessful in moving up a division.

Bari were also in Serie C last year, and were promoted at the end of 2021/22, ending a four-year absence from Italy's top two tiers after going bankrupt in 2018.

Caprile is expected to leave for a small fee as the 20-year-old only has two years remaining on his Leeds United contract.

He signed for the Whites in 2020, appearing predominantly for the Under-23 side as Leeds' youngsters were crowned Premier League 2 Division 2 champions in 2021.

Seeking regular first-team minutes, Caprile was sent on loan last summer and immediately became Pro Patria's No. 1 in northern Italy.

Despite Kristoffer Klaesson's tricky adaptation to English football following his move from Valerenga last year, the Norway Under-21 international remains ahead of Caprile in the pecking order at Elland Road, as understudy to Illan Meslier.

The Italian is yet to feature for United's first-team while Klaesson made his senior debut for the club during the 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this year.

Caprile will compete with veteran goalkeeper Pierluigi Frattali for the No. 1 jersey at Stadio San Nicola, which holds 58,270 fans and is currently undergoing renovations ahead of the side's return to Serie B.

Former Leeds striker Mirco Antenucci is currently a Bari player; the 37-year-old has one year remaining on his deal at the southern Italian club.

Caprile has previously spoke of his intention to one day represent Italian giants Napoli.

Italian outlet DiMarzio report Caprile will sign a three-year contract at Bari.