Leeds door closes, Morita still holding out for England

One of the summer transfer window's drawn-out stories has reached an unexpected point. According to A Bola, free agent Hidemasa Morita is still holding out for a move to the Premier League after leaving Sporting; the Japan international has rejected several approaches from clubs in France and the Middle East. Leeds United were repeatedly presented in the Portuguese press during the second half of last season as Morita's almost certain next destination, with claims even suggesting a formal contract offer had been made and the move was settled; yet two months on, the 31-year-old midfielder remains without a club.

The picture on Leeds' side, meanwhile, has shifted. According to an exclusive report from The Leeds Press, the club are unlikely to approach Morita again for now; despite his experience, the player is said not to match the midfield profile head coach Daniel Farke is looking for this summer. Farke's priority is reported to be Southampton's Shea Charles, with the club confident of completing that deal.

Morita, however, is prepared to wait for a project that matches his ambitions rather than rushing into a quick move; he continues to train individually. According to A Bola, the player still prioritises Premier League clubs, with Spain and Italy also viewed as attractive destinations. On the French side, interest from Lyon, Marseille and Monaco persists.

The player's background explains this resolve. Having spent four seasons at Sporting, made 166 official appearances and earned 40 caps for his national team, Morita views the Premier League as the final major goal of his career. This determination is read as a sign of his desire to play at the highest level at this stage of his career, though the next chapter remains unwritten.

Source: A Bola
Image: Yahoo Sports